Research Data Management: The Basics Open Exeter Project team

Why manage data? Short-term: Increase efficiency. Save time. Simplify your life. Meet funder and institutional requirements. Long-term: Preserve your data. Easier sharing and collaboration. Allow others to build on your research. Raise your visibility and research profile. Download our research data management survival guidesurvival guide

Managing References Why use a reference manager? – Easier to create citations and bibliography – Manage your PDF files – Annotate your articles Choose the right reference manager for you – Endnote; Mendeley; Zotero; Papers etc. Comparison of software from Cambridge. Comparison of software Training in use of Endnote is available. Training

Data Storage Accessibility of data – Where will you be working: at home; in the Office; both? – Will you be working collaboratively? U: Drive Cloud Storage Computer Hard Drive DVDs/CDs External hard drives and memory sticks Advice from Exeter IT. Advice

Data back-up Why Back up – Security of information – Comfort of mind – Reduce the risk of data loss Back up in more than one place and try to ensure they are kept separate Make sure you know which version is the most up to date Back up in a reliable place

Organising your files and folders Label your files and folders accurately and clearly Make sure you know which is the latest version of your work Efficient working – don’t waste time trying to find a file or folder later in your studies

Document your data creation/collection Where did you collect your data? How did you collect your data? What equipment did you use to collect your data? What formats are your data in? Needed for long term discoverability of your data (and articles, working papers etc.)

Be aware of copyright issues When you put research papers or data online that include third-party copyrighted material you must be sure you have permission to do so. This includes your thesis. Get the correct copyright permissions early on in your research – it could hold you up later. Images are a particular problem – see JISC Digital Media for advice on using images.JISC Digital Media Read one student’s experience of handling copyright.student’s experience

Know your funder’s policy on Open Access to research data and research publications RCUK Policy on Open Access Wellcome Trust Policy on Open Access Funders’ Policies on Open Data (DCC website) Funders’ Policies on Open Data

Helpful Links Open Exeter Project Digital Curation Centre UK Data Archive (UKDA) Economic and Social Data Service Draft UoE Research Data Management Policies Information on thesis submission