Gagnasöfn

Gagnasöfn is Icelandic for datasets or data collections. The term is used to describe digital collections of data, typically stored in a structured form and intended for analysis, sharing, and reuse. A gagnasafn can be a single data file or a repository containing multiple datasets, often curated by institutions such as universities, government agencies, or research organizations.

Typically a gagnasafn consists of data organized into tables or records, with variables (columns) and observations (rows). It may include metadata that documents its origin, collection methods, definitions, units, quality, and version. Datasets can be structured (for example CSV or SQL tables), semi-structured (JSON or XML), or unstructured (text, images) depending on the domain.

Metadata and interoperability play key roles: datasets are described to enable discovery and reuse, often using metadata standards such as DCAT or Dublin Core. File formats commonly used include CSV, JSON, and XML, while domain-specific datasets may employ other formats as appropriate. Clear documentation and licensing accompany many gagnasöfn to facilitate understanding and reuse.

Access, licensing, and privacy considerations are important. Many gagnasöfn are published under open licenses that permit reuse, but some are restricted due to privacy, security, or licensing rules. Data protection regulations apply to datasets containing personal data, and de-identification or controlled access may be required.

Governance and maintenance are essential for reliability. Gagnasöfn require curation, versioning, and clear provenance to support reproducibility and long-term usability. They underpin research, policy making, journalism, and education by enabling analysis, transparency, and informed decision-making.