How Do I Preserve My Research Data?
Contents
Digital Data Preservation
Digital preservation is an important part of the data lifecycle continuum and should be considered an integral part of your research data management plan.
How Do I Select Data for Preservation?
While preservation is important, not all data should be preserved indefinitely. Some considerations include:
- Data that directly supports published research
- Data that must be shared as outlined by funder or other requirements
- Data that is vulnerable
- Data with historical significance
- Data that could drive new research
Resources for Preservation
Learn about the basics of digital research preservation in the context of the research data lifecycle and the institution-wide digital preservation resources available at the University of Toronto.
The University of Toronto Library’s Digital Preservation and Recovery Unit can support the conversion of original data sources to a digital format. They can support the conversion of obsolete digital formats to updated formats (e.g., physical lab notebooks can be digitized, or data stored on a floppy disk can be converted to an accessible format).
The Digital Preservation Handbook is a practical guide to the subject of managing digital resources over time and the issues in sustaining access to them. It will be of interest to all those involved in the creation and management of digital materials.
Get Help with Data Preservation
Questions about digital preservation needs may be directed to the University of Toronto Library.
