It is easier to perform a task when you acquire the correct tools and have the expertise to use them. Similarly, knowing how to manage your data throughout the research lifecycle is a worthwhile skill for any research project. Practicing good data management from the beginning and throughout the entire life cycle will save time and help safeguard against catastrophic loss in the future.
Clearly documented data provides evidence for your research in conjunction with your published results. Describing data effectively can help you find or interpret older research data. Sharing data can promote new discoveries and research, resulting in an increase of your research impact with additional citations.
Alongside the personal benefits for managing data, many funding agencies and even the federal government (through the OPEN Government Data Act) have data management requirements. For example, National Institutes of Health awards post-2023 are required to align with the Data Management and Sharing Policy (DMSP). This means a researcher needs to create and implement a data management and sharing plan with every grant application, regardless of award amount.
Lewis Library provides consultation services to help you navigate available resources throughout the data lifecycle. Contact us or your Library Liaison to schedule an appointment.
This quick five-minute video reiterates the importance of good data management. It uses real-world examples of poor data storage, lack of metadata, and the impact of reusability.
Before Your Research Begins
During Your Research Process
After Your Research Ends