From Planning to Publishing: An Open Approach to Data Stewardship

The management of research data has become a priority and challenge for academic institutions. Funding agencies have added requirements to include data management plans in research proposals, the publication of datasets, and the appropriate stewardship of data. With UPEI Library's strategic goal of engaging researchers throughout the life cycle, we developed an integrated suite of open source-based services for researchers to help manage their research data throughout the lifecycle including a planning tool; a local dropbox-like service for "working" data; a platform for archiving, publishing, discovery, and citation of research data; and integration with DataCite. The data repository utilizes a variety of Solution Packs to provide management and display of specific file formats. Depending on the status selected during the deposit (Public, Embargoed, Archive), a DataCite DOI may be generated for the dataset. We utilize DDI 3.2 to describe deposited datasets and track the object's status and lifecycle events associated with the deposit. While the service continues to evolve, we have provided researchers with a set of tools and services that help them manage their research data and adhere to funder and other requirements.