Responsibilities of the Custodial Officer
Custodial Officers are absolutely key to the success of the Spatial Custodianship.
They are “the authoritative source” of information about their dataset, liaising with users, managing collection, update and documentation.
- User Liaison – Seek input from users to agree standards for quality, accuracy, format, completeness, access, collection and description. Inform users of dataset changes and enhancements. Advise prospective users on proper use and interpretation of datasets.
- Documentation – write meaningful product descriptions and metadata. Keep them up to date. Formalise quality standards and usage agreements.
- Strategy – monitor and make recommendations on the condition and adequacy of the data to fulfill present and future needs.
- Update – manage data collection and maintenance.
- Quality – follow agreed schedules of update and review. Monitor dataset integrity and validity.
- Storage – ensure datasets are securely stored and backed up.
- Pricing and licensing – recommend and implement policies.
- Access & Distribution – administer distribution of the dataset and updates to licensed users either directly or through a third party agency.
One or more people may already be performing the role of ‘de facto’ Custodial Officer but it is still important to clarify their responsibilities under the formal Custodianship Programme. They will most probably be expanded because of the more comprehensive documentation and processes.
The detail of the role description will depend on the number and complexity of datasets being managed, frequency of update, whether maintenance is in house or outsourced. It may be full time or part time. It may be split between two individuals; one working more on policy and standards, the other on the practical implementation of these standards.
Optional Responsibilities
- Contract management
- Marketing and promotion of datasets
Profile of Hayden Asmussen, Custodial Officer for GPSnet
Page last updated: 2010-06-19 14:24:59