Access, Use & Reuse
Tips & Checklists
- If you intend to provide personal data at your Research Data Center (RDC), you can simplify matters for subsequent users by offering an instructional document, such as Usage Regulations for Campus Files of the FDZ at the IQB, for example.
- Alternatively, you can establish rules specifying how and under what conditions the data you provide can be analyzed, as for example demonstrated by RDC Federal Statistical Office, RDC of the Socio-Economic Panel, RDC Share, or directly provide sample syntax.
- You can provide users with a suggested citation to support the correct reuse of the research data you provide. You can either offer general recommendations (as done by FDZ am bibb) or provide complete templates (e.g. SHARE).
- Your terms and conditions can be either linked as a separate document on your website or implemented directly, as seen on the Archive for Spoken German’s website.
- The degree of necessary data anonymization essentially depends on the access method. FDZ DZHW illustrates this clearly on its homepage and presents various anonymization measures using a certain case as an example.
- Providing application forms for different data access methods, such as a data sharing request, remote access request via email, or access request via stationary guest terminals, facilitates data reuse. It’s essential to document any changes to existing agreements, such as those resulting from personnel or workstation changes. For instance, SOEP offers relevant contract management documents directly on its website.
- Are the data potentiallz can be used by others within or outside the project?
- Are there reasons not to release the data in principle (e.g., data protection, confidentiality, etc.)?
- Is there an obligation to release the data (e.g., by a funding organization)?
- Which institutions or groups are likely to be interested in the data?
- What is the procedure to obtain access to the data?
- Are the data searchable or discoverable in a research system/data catalog?
- How will the data be published or made known?
- What are the intended or foreseeable uses of the data? What services/programs are typically used with the data?
- Is there a right of initial use by the data creator? When can others access the data or metadata (embargo periods)?
- Are there any data usage restrictions or license terms?
- Will there be fees associated with access?
- How will access conditions be enforced and technically implemented? Who holds responsibility for enforcement?
[Ludwig, Jens; Enke, Harry (Eds.) (2013): Guide to Research Data Management. Guidelines from the WissGrid Project. Glückstadt: VWH Verlag Werner Hülsbusch Publishing House for Media Technology and Economics, pp. 91 f.]