What is data management?
Data management encompasses the organization, storage, preservation, and sharing of data collected and used in a project. It involves the everyday management of data during the lifetime of a project (for example, using consistent file naming conventions). It also involves decisions about how data will be preserved and shared after the project is completed (for example, depositing the data in a repository for long-term archiving and access).
How do I manage (research) data?
Get started early during the planning stage of your project by deciding how your files should be organized, as this will help you avoid becoming overwhelmed by data management.
Below you can find some quick tips to help you get started:
Here are some excellent training programs and guidance that are available online:
Who can help with data management?
No matter the discipline or the data, if you have questions like…
- “How do I (or my group) implement a Data Management Plan?”
- “How can I organize my data more effectively?”
- “What kind of documentation do I need?
- “Where do I start?”
- “How can I share my data with my collaborators?”
… it may be best to start with a data management consultation. We know that many research data management questions are very specific and granular. We can talk through the specific challenges of your research project, and recommend best practices. We also work with a wide array of individuals within the Library and elsewhere on campus for complex consultations and to tap into the expertise of others. To set up a consultation, contact us by emailing us or filling out this form.
- About Data Management
- Guides and Templates