Using BioTIME data
While we remain open-access and free, we do ask that you abide by a few terms to properly acknowledge our data contributors and database staff.
Guidelines
Whenever you download and use data from the BioTIME database, we ask that you respect the licenses associated to the database and datasets. In the data download, you will find the licences for each study in the metadata table. We break down the core differences between these licence types below, but it is ultimately your responsibility to consult the actual licence. Violation of licence terms mean that BioTIME and/or the data contributors can revoke the freedom to use and share data.Secondly, we also ask you to provide proper attribution. Cite our database as well as the relevant citations for the individual studies you use in any publication.
How to cite BioTIME
You can cite our database in this style below or using the RIS file download if you use citation management software like Endnote, Zotero, Mendeley, etc.Dornelas M, Antão LH, Moyes F, Bates, AE, Magurran, AE, et al. BioTIME: A database of biodiversity time series for the Anthropocene. Global Ecol Biogeogr. 2018; 27:760 - 786. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12729
Download citation RIS
Each individual study is associated with a specific Open Data or Creative Commons licences. These licences are selected by data contributors in the BioTIME consortium and outline the terms under which they would like their data to be used and shared. Always consult the licence document if you are unsure.
Creative Commons Licences
CC0: Public domain
Also known as a "no rights reserved" licence. There are no copyrights, patents, or warranties associated with this type of licence, essential there are no limits to how this work can be used and is part of the public domain.Official summary and licence ↗
CC-by: Attribution
Sharing and adaptations are allowed given that the original authors/contributors are given proper attribution and credit. Commercial use is allowed as well.Official summary and licence ↗
CC-by-SA: Attribution and share-alike
Similar to the CC-by licence with an additional stipulation that you must distribute your contributions to this data under the same licence. Essentially, contributors ask that you keep work open-access.Official summary and licence ↗
Open Licences for Databases
PDDL: Public domain
There are no restrictions on how data can be used with this licence. Similar to CC0 above.Official summary and licence ↗
ODC-by: Attribution
You're allowed to share, adapt, and create works from data, as long as you attribute the original authors and contributors and outline the changes you've made.Official summary and licence ↗
ODbL: Attribution and share-alike
Also similar to ODC-by above with an additional condition that distribution of your work stemming from this data is shared under an ODbL licence and kept open-access as well.Official summary and licence ↗
Data Protection Statement
The BioTIME database is a research project hosted at the University of St Andrews.
Data contributor information
The database includes publicly available contact information for data contributors (name &/or email) to allow users to reach out to the original contributors with any queries regarding data usage. These data have been sourced from other publicly accessible repositories (e.g., LTER, GBIF, OBIS) or provided by members of the consortium.
Lawful Basis for Processing
We process these personal data under Article 6(1) of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), which permits processing when necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority. The BioTIME database is a research project part of the University of St Andrews; and is produced and maitained as part of the University's public task to conduct academic research, making this the appropriate legal basis for the collection and use of the personal data outlined. As such, we do not seek explicit consent to publish the details we have collected or received as per Article 6(1) (e).Right to Object and Concerns
Under UK GDPR Article 21, individuals have the right to object when the lawful basis for processing is a public task. However, this right does not apply when personal data are used for research purposes conducted under a public task, as is the case with BioTIME. If you have any concerns about the University’s use of your personal data, please reach out to us (biotimeproj@st-andrews.ac.uk), and we will review and address your concerns. You may also contact the University of St Andrews Data Protection officer at: dataprot@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Data Accuracy and Updates
Data contributor personal information might be updated over time. If updates are made to your information, we will notify you.
