Seeking a common ground for The Nautical Archaeology Digital Library. Reflections on Science, Method, Theory and Templates

Abstract

Data sharing is a fundamental process for the advancement of both natural and social sciences. Starting from the idea that computers and the internet have drastically changed the world in the last decades, this paper advocates for the creation of a space where archaeologists from around the world can share information about maritime history and exchange data with colleagues. Following the principles of open access, we argue that the publication of raw data is necessary and significant for the development and democratization of the discipline. Below, we explain the fundamental aspects of the Nautical Archaeology Digital Library (NADL, https://nadl.tamu.edu/) and its efforts to standardize information collection for shipwrecks and related sites, so that scholars can create a community to disseminate both raw data and complete information in the field of maritime archaeology. To achieve this, our purpose is to contribute towards a common-ground methodology and terminology that promotes an intelligible dialogue within the global community of nautical archaeologists. This paper addresses some considerations on terminology and systematization in scientific disciplines and discusses the theoretical and methodological issues linked to the process of creating a template for recording shipwrecks. Furthermore, it discusses some of the problems related to the standardization of description processes and the necessity to create a flexible system that accounts for the diversity of the data. The third section discusses how science is greatly enhanced by the publication of information in open access platforms.