Depositing Data in a Repository
When you deposit your research data in a repository it will be stored and maintained in a centralized location. Benefits of archiving your data in a repository include:
- Files are managed and preserved long-term.
- Your data is made more discoverable and accessible for future reuse.
- A repository can serve as a backup if your data is lost.
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Finding a Repository
Your funding agency may require or suggest that you deposit your data in a specific repository. If so, check the Funding Agency Requirements page to learn more. However, if this isn't the case, or if you would like to deposit in more than one repository, there are many to choose from. Search the databases listed below for options that range from the very broad to the very specialized.
- Open Access Directory of Data RepositoriesThe OAD for Data Repositories is a list of repositories and databases, organized by discipline, that manage and provide access to open data.
- Re3Data.orgre3data.org is a global registry of research data repositories that covers research data repositories from different academic disciplines.
- The Directory of Open Access RepositoriesOpenDOAR is the quality-assured, global Directory of Open Access Repositories.
- NIH List of Generalist RepositoriesWhile NIH encourages the use of domain-specific repositories where possible, such repositories are not available for all datasets. When investigators cannot locate a repository for their discipline or the type of data they generate, a generalist repository can be a useful place to share data.
Depositing Data in Digital Commons @ Michigan Tech
Michigan Tech's institutional repository, Digital Commons @ Michigan Tech, could be a great option for making your data accessible to the world. Researchers may either deposit data files or use the repository to link to another location where the data is being managed and preserved, such a discipline-specific or funder-mandated respository. Look through the list of resources from the Van Pelt and Opie Library below to get started. Email library@mtu.edu with any questions.
- Policies for Data on Digital Commons @ Michigan TechResearch data housed in Digital Commons @ Michigan Tech is subject to these data-specific policies.
- Deposit Research Data FormResearchers interested in depositing data in Digital Commons @ Michigan Tech are encouraged to submit this form to schedule a consultation with a librarian.
- ReadMe_TemplateData deposited into Digital Commons @ Michigan Tech are required to have a README file that provides enough information about your research to enable users to use the data in their own research. This example may help you craft one for your data.
Registering Data In Digital Commons @ Michigan Tech
For a variety of reasons, researchers may decide against depositing their data in Digital Commons @ Michigan Tech. In these situations, the library urges researchers to consider registering the data in the repository. Registration involves providing the library a reliable link, such as a DOI, to where your data can be accessed, and some information about the data and your project. This information will be included in a "record" that will point users to the data. Registering data in this way helps to make it more findable online, may provide valuable usage statistics, and helps to highlight the great research happening at Michigan Tech.