Disciplinary data repositories

When you're ready to deposit your data for sharing and archiving, a number of repositories are available. First, look into whether there is already a repository in your field where the most likely users of your data would look. The following sites maintain lists of many repositories that accept research data:

• Research Data Repositories - database compiled by Duke Libraries
• Repository List - from the DataCite project
• DataBib - tool for helping identify and locate online repositories of research data
• List of data repositories - from the Digging into Data project

DukeSpace repository

If none of these are appropriate for your data, DukeSpace, the institutional repository supported by Duke University Libraries, may also be used for publication and archiving research-related data created and owned by members of the Duke community (faculty, researchers, students, staff). DukeSpace is not a storage or backup service, but rather is a place to make unique data available for other researchers to find and use. Some granting agencies (for example, the National Science Foundation) now require that you describe how you will make your data broadly accessible, and DukeSpace can help fill that need. When you publish your data in DukeSpace, you will receive a permanent link (handle) that can be used to make your data citable as a research product.

To get started on the process of publishing your data in DukeSpace, please contact Data/GIS Services. A consultant will work with you to determine the best way to organize, describe, and archive the data you wish to deposit, and work with you to put your data in DukeSpace. At this time, DukeSpace can only accept data that is intended to be available to the general public, though short embargo periods (up to two years) may be applied. We recommend that all data deposited in DukeSpace be assigned a Creative Commons or other open data license, and can work with you to determine which one is most appropriate for your case. DukeSpace is not an appropriate venue for sensitive, private, or protected data. We may be able to advise on other venues appropriate for archiving this kind of data.