DOI, licence and citation uptake for seismological waveform data after 10 years of implementation effort

The International Federation of Digital Seismic Networks (FDSN) has championed online open access to seismological waveform data for almost four decades. In 2014, FDSN recommended using DataCite Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for seismic networks to enhance data attribution, citation, and impact metrics. This study evaluates the level of adoption of DOIs and licences across FDSN-registered networks, analyzing their influence on data citation and compliance with FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) principles. 73% of seismic networks that have an assigned FDSN network code have adopted DOIs, with more than 80% DOI coverage for networks created after 2014. Licence adoption, not covered by present FDSN recommendations, remains low (8%), with significant regional variations. The main challenges are presently barriers to systematic data citation, whether on scientist or publisher side. Citations have increased substantially, but improvements are needed to support and implement correct data citation across all levels, including networks, data centers, scientists and journals. Of specific concern is the limitation on references set by some journals, which renders proper attribution impossible for studies using data from many seismic networks. This work highlights best practices and provides a set of recommendations for improving attribution, citation, and FAIRness of seismological waveform data, the latter including that FDSN should recommend licence on waveform data and a limited set of recommended licences. It also explores emerging ethical considerations, like the CARE principles, for Indigenous Data Governance. These insights aim to guide future FDSN strategies and foster enhanced alignment with FAIR and CARE principles. An added value of the assessment was that many minor errors and inconsistencies were identified and fixed at FDSN and in the seismological metadata.