LibGuides: Research Data Services: Plan

Data management plans

Whether required as part of grant proposals/applications or created ad hoc to help manage a project, developing a data management plan (DMP) is considered best practice for conducting research. These plans identify upfront the methods, resources, and tools to be used throughout the various stages of a research project. DMPs can also function to coordinate the activities of all personnel involved in the project by clarifying roles and responsibilities.

Operational Data Management Plan
This document provides a general template for IUSM researchers when creating a data management plan for research projects.

IU Guidance for Management of Research Data
This guidance provides an overview of best practices and expectations for the management of research data at Indiana University. This document is developed and maintained by the IU Data Steward for Research Data.
Data Management Plan Self-Assessment Questionnaire
Developed and made available by Purdue University. This document can help researchers identify what components should be addressed in DMPs.

Data governance

When planning your research project, it is important to consider how data are governed at IUSM and how that affects your ability to handle (in particular, store) the data you work with for research.

To assist faculty, staff, and students with navigating this process, Indiana University (IU) has appointed Data Stewards to provide guidance. These stewards are assigned to different data subject areas and can also provide insight into the different types of data that IU recognizes and how those classifications might overlap with a particular data subject area. More information can be found on the IU Data Management website: https://datamanagement.iu.edu/.

IU Rules & Policies for Data Management
This page provides links to documents and guidance for managing data at IU.
Data Sharing and Handling (DSH) Tool
This tool provides guidance on the classification, sharing, storage, and disposal of institutional data at IU.
Data Classifications Matrix
This matrix provides definitions for all data subjects areas (i.e., domains) and how data in these domains is classified at IU.

Data storage

Making decisions about where data will be stored during a research project is an important step in the planning process. IUSM has a variety of storage platforms available for research data depending on the type of data and the need for short, intermediate, or long-term storage. For additional guidance or questions on which storage option(s) may be best suited to your data, please contact a medical librarian.

Microsoft OneDrive at IU
Allows for unlimited sharing and storage of files and folders online.
Microsoft at IU Secure Storage
These accounts have similar features to general Microsoft at IU with the main difference being Microsoft at IU Secure Storages are approved to store and appropriately share protected health information.
Google Drive
Allows for unlimited storage and sharing of files and folders online.
Scholarly Data Archive (SDA)
Distributed system that allows for long-term storage of research data.