Prepare Your Data

Data Format & Deposit Size

IU DataCORE will accept any file format. We will also accept compressed data (.zip, .gz, tar.gz), although to facilitate basic preservation services compressed data is discouraged. Review file formats and levels of preservation.

We do not foresee placing cumulative storage limits on deposits, but there are some constraints on the size of deposits:

License

Depositors will be asked to apply one of several Creative Commons licenses to the data. Depositors authorize the Libraries to distribute the data under the terms of the license they have selected.

Metadata

We require descriptive metadata for each deposited dataset. A detailed description of the data's origins, purpose, and use are essential for both discoverability and reuse. The following are our minimum requirements:

  • Title: a descriptive title for the data and any associated works you deposit along with it
  • Authors(s): those involved in creating the data. Enter last name then first name then middle initial. (Ex. Smith, Jane M.)
  • Date Coverage: The specific date (ex. mm/dd/yyyy) or span of time (ex. mm/dd/yyyy or mm/dd/yyyy - mm/dd/yyyy) the data set was collected, or relates to, as determined by its author(s).
  • Method: a description of how the data set was generated, acquired and/or processed (this should include any software, instrumentation or equipment used.)
  • Description: a brief description of the datafiles, what they contain and any accompanying documentation.

The system also generates metadata automatically to help us maintain the integrity of your files and provide a complete record:

  • Timestamp: IU DataCORE captures the time and date of your deposit and generates a timestamp when any changes to deposits are made to track modifications over time.
  • Depositor: who made the deposit and any subsequent changes, in case we need to consult with them about issues that arise
  • Checksums: an error detection mechanism to help ensure the integrity of the files

Regardless of which license a depositor chooses for data distribution, metadata will always be distributed with the CC0 license in order to facilitate the broadest possible use.

Please see the Guide to Creating Metadata for Your Dataset in IU DataCORE for more information.

Documentation

Each data set deposited into IU DataCORE should contain sufficient documentation for people to understand and make use of the data. Please review our Guide to Creating Documentation for Your Data Set in IU DataCORE for details.

Conditions for Deposit

By depositing in IU DataCORE, you agree that we bear no responsibility for the contents of your submission and represent that:

  • The submission is your original work and/or that you have the authority to grant the rights in the license you have selected.
  • You obtained the permission of the owner for materials that are not your original work to grant the Library the rights required and the third-party work is clearly identified and acknowledged.
  • You are responsible for ensuring that Research data involving the use of human subjects is in accordance with the IU Research IRB Standards.
  • Your submission does not, to the best of your knowledge, infringe upon anyone's copyright.
  • The submission contains no libelous or other unlawful matter and makes no improper invasion of the privacy of any other person.
  • You have fulfilled any right of review, confidentiality, or other obligations required by contract or agreement if the work was sponsored or supported by an agency or organization other than IU.

Have Questions? Need Help?

Please contact Research Data Management - iudata@iu.edu