Data curation

QAMyData is an easy-to-use, open source tool that provides a health check for numeric data. The tool uses automated methods to detect and report on some of the most common problems in survey or numeric data, such as missingness, duplication, outliers and direct identifiers.

The tool offers a number of configurable tests that have been categorised into four types: file, metadata, data integrity, and identifiers, which can be run on popular file formats, including SPSS, Stata, SAS and CSV. A standard config file has default settings for each test, such as a threshold for pass or fail on various tests (e.g. detect value label that are truncated, email addresses identified as a string, or undefined missing values) which can be easily adapted to meet the user’s own desired thresholds. The configuration feature allows the creation of a unique Data Quality Profile. The software creates a ‘data health check’ that details errors and issues as both a summary and detailed report, providing a location of the failed test. New tests can easily be added. Data depositors and publishers can act on the results and resubmit the file until a clean bill of health is produced.

DMPonline is a web-based tool that supports researchers to develop data management and sharing plans. It contains the latest funder templates and best practice guidelines to support users to create quality DMPs.

Within the tool you will find custom guidance and example answers to help you develop your DMP. These are offered by the DCC, research funders and many research organisations. You can also browse the growing list of public DMPs published by other users of the tool for inspiration.

The service is free at the point of use for researchers to develop DMPs regardless of whether their institution or funder is a customer. DMPonline is also available on subscription for institutions that require a customised service.

High-quality data have the potential to be reused in many ways. This chapter explores options for archiving and publishing data as a strategy for FAIR data, considering repository solutions, access, use and citation of data.

Focus on:

• the difference between data archiving and data publishing
• the benefits of data publishing
• different data publication services, such as data journal, self-archiving, a data repository
• selecting a data repository which fits your research data's needs
• ways to promote published research data
• relevant DMP questions on these topics

The Digital Curation Centre (DCC) is a centre of expertise in digital curation with a focus on building capability and skills for research data management. They provide expert advice and practical help to research organisations wanting to store, manage, protect and share digital research data.

Amongst the many resources they provide, they have a section of training materials available for developing and/or delivering research data management training. This includes their own DC 101 training materials for training researchers, as well as training materials for librarians and research administrators. They also point to training materials made available by other providers.