Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 July 2011
Scientific results strongly rely on previous studies, experiments, and observations. A huge quantity of data is produced by astronomers and needs to be available to the whole community. To support astronomers in their daily research work, the Centre de Données astronomiques de Strasbourg (Strasbourg astronomical data center – CDS) collects, verifies, homogenizes, and organizes information – in particular, those published in academic journals – in the most appropriate and comprehensible way. This CDS goal can reach the highest level of quality only through a close collaboration with journals, authors, and referees. This paper presents the succession of processes leading published data to the CDS databases, focusing on the strategy that maintains a high level of quality. Authors and referees are strongly encouraged to actively contribute to this endeavor. A few examples of how CDS databases are used through CDS services are also presented.