Data sharing: misconceptions, principles and potential

Although data rest at the core of archaeology, systematic data sharing remains relatively limited within the discipline, especially when compared to other fields. After defining the key components and principles underlying data sharing, this contribution discusses and clears some of the misconceptions underpinning that lag, including assumptions regarding the links between data sharing, “big data”, “scientific data”, quantitative methods, and later prehistory. The paper then outlines some of the necessary principles underpinning effective data sharing, such as open licenses and formats, metadata, and funding and governance. Through a few examples, we end by stressing the crucial, central role of data sharing for the future of archaeology