An online survey targeted to individuals who, according to themselves, had previously used and/or created, collected or deposited archaeological data (understood broadly, ranging from digital data to finds collections) was used to collect views of what information users think they need to know about data to use it effectively, and what data producers consider it to be important to know about their data. 

The focus of the survey was on broadening the understanding of the variety of different paradata practices, opportunities and problems and to gather basic information on the variety of paradata needs. The questionnaire included sections surveying the importance of different aspects of data considered important from data use and making perspectives, and questions on basic demographics including professional background, the country where the respondent was professionally based, and the length of their research career. The survey was targeted to respondents who indicated having experience respectively on data use and making. Survey participants were recruited using relevant archaeology-related mailing lists, social media and personal contacts. The more than 200 members of the COST Action ARKWORK (https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA15201/) representing 30 European countries and non-European partners were asked to distribute the survey in their respective countries. 

In total 91 responses of which 79 were complete for analysis were collected in the survey between February and October 2021. The survey data represents a convenience sample with an unknown unmeasurable It is conceivable that individuals with a specific interest in data making, sharing and reuse are overrepresented in the sample.

The survey is a part of the CApturing Paradata for documenTing data creation and Use for the REsearch of the future (CAPTURE) research project. This work has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme grant agreement No 818210.