Storing Data

• Where you store your data and how you go about ensuring its safety through back-up depends largely on what best suits you and what options are available to you.  However, it is something that always needs some thought given to it throughout the research process.

  Have a quick listen to this video where Dr Adam Chapman discusses his own experiences of losing data.

• Thinking about how, where, and when you are going to store your data is important, as demonstrated in the video. Take a look at the book on storing data for more about why this is important and what options are available to you.

• Storage options Book
• If you would like to read more about why adequate storage and backup is important take a look at the SHARD Data Preservation course module: Why preservation, which goes into more detail about the risk of data loss and why you need to consider the 'preservation' of your research data.

• Case study #1

  This first case study looks at storage options when dealing with quantatative data produced in the form of databases and spreadsheets.

• Organising and Designing Quantitative Data Book
• Case study #2

  The second case study looks at oral history. How do you go about storing interview files? Should you record in audio or video? Does this make a difference to your storage options? Have a look at the book for some thoughts.

• Recording and Storage of Oral History Interviews Book
• DMP

  Complete any part of Section 5: Storage and Backup of Data that you have not yet completed and add additional details to this section where appropriate. You might also wish to fill in parts of Section 6: Archiving and Future Proofing of Information at this point.