Policy

Overview

Questions

• What is an official USGS software information product?
• When am I required to release my software as an official USGS software information product?
• When may I release my software as an official USGS software information product?

Objectives

• Identify the difference between a software project and an official USGS software information product.
• Identify policy hierarchy relationship between federal, agency, and USGS authorities.
• Explain requirements for releasing software as an official USGS software information product.

Challenge 1: Identifying relevant policies

Select from which source(s) there exist policies governing the release of official USGS software information products.

A. Federal

B. Departmental

C. Bureau

D. Local

Show me the solution

Policies are known to exist for each of (A), (B), and (C) sources. Additionally Science Centers and offices may implement additional policies with which you must comply.

Key Points

• An official USGS software information production is a point-in-time snapshot of a software product that has received the necessary review and approval to be made publicly accessible.
• Software must be released as an official USGS software information product before it can be cited by other resources (e.g., data releases, journal articles etc.). Local centers may define other factors necessitating a software release.
• Any software project may be released as an official USGS software information product given it has received the necessary review and approval.