Patti Condon
Research Data Services Librarian
University Library
(603) 862-1524
patricia.condon@unh.edu
Research data management is an integral part of responsible research practice and involves implementing strategies relevant to all stages of the research data lifecycle.
Data management is essential because it helps you:
Data constitute the core of a research project. Maintaining data reliability is key to ensuring the integrity of data-based conclusions. Without proper data management, the validity of research results can be questioned, jeopardizing not only your own reputation, but also the work of others and the reputation of the University.
Responsible data management:
Image source: Adapted from Vellucci, S. Non-Linear Research Data Lifecycle, 2014.
Data is in the eye of the beholder - data from a humanities scholar may look different than data from a earth science researcher. When we talk about data in this Toolkit, we are referring to systematically recorded information that is produced as part of a research process and is the basis of scholarly and research findings. You can find the UNH definition for research data in section 2 of the UNH Policy on Ownership, Management, and Sharing of Research Data. Funders with data sharing and data management policies may have their own definitions - check solicitations or data sharing policies.
Here are some examples of research data types and formats:
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Managing your data is an ongoing process. Planning for data collection is the first step, but it is also important to think about what you will do with your data when the project is completed and what long-term retention needs you might have.
To properly manage your data, you need to understand the nature of the data, its audience and ownership, and its long-term viability. Reviewing the following questions will help you get started:
The following guides cover general principles for managing your data, plus selected information related to particular formats or disciplines.
The Data Management Toolkit is maintained by Patti Condon. It is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
This guide was initially created by Sherry Vellucci and Eleta Exline, and adapted from the MIT Libraries Data Management and Publishing Guide with additional content from the CalTech Library Data Management Guide (with grateful acknowledgement to MIT Librarians and George Porter @ the California Institute of Technology)