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Data Management: Data management activities and processes

This libguide provides CSIR researchers with details regarding the essential data management activities forming part of research projects.

Data management activities and processes

As stated in the CSIR Data Management Procedure, several mandatory data management tasks and processes form part of CSIR research projects.

These tasks and processes relate to the following:

  • Creation of a data management plan (topic was discussed under a previous tab)
  • Data storage
  • Data backups
  • Data access
  • Copyright and use of 3rd party data
  • Long term preservation of data
  • Data disposal
  • Exit planning

Kindly find summarised details on the requirements for each of these tasks and processes by accessing the respective tabs below. 

In addition, more details on the requirements for each of the data management tasks and processes can be found in the CSIR Data Management Procedure.

 

Data storage

Data must be stored on CSIR owned and managed infrastructure unless otherwise contracted with the client.

  • Examples of  CSIR owned and managed infrastructure include:
    • Vibe
    • Sharepoint
    • Network-attached storage
  • Examples of non-approved storage options include:
    • small portable USB devices
    • laptops
    • CDs and DVDs

Only ICT-contracted cloud storage may be used unless otherwise contracted with the client.

Data may also be uploaded to repositories, provided the data have also been stored in CSIR owned and managed infrastructure.

  • Examples of data repositories include:
    • CSIR's open access repository ResearchSpace
    • Disciplinary repositories
    • Generalist repositories

Should you require any information on data storage and data repositories, kindly contact the data librarian. 

 

Data backup

When data storage options used for a specific project entails data NOT being backed up by ICT, the following requirements need to be adhered to:

  • Clusters should ensure that a backup strategy is in place.
  • The CSIR backup procedure should be consulted.
  • Backups should be housed remotely from the main data storage.

Preservation of data

Data must be retained for perpetuity* unless there is a reason mandating that the data must be destroyed.

* the state or quality of lasting forever

Data disposal

Research data must be disposed of appropriately.

Data destruction must be as secure and as environmentally friendly as possible.

Destruction of research data without the required approvals may constitute research misconduct.

Copyright and use of 3rd party data

Copyright-protected data must be treated as specified by the copyright owner.

 

Data access

Appropriate access to research data should be ensured within the data management plan.

Signed service-level agreements should stipulate access and reuse agreements of contract data.

Exit planning

Data management plans must be up to date, documented and shared appropriately should a researcher leave the CSIR or move between areas. 

When leaving the CSIR or moving between areas, plans should be in place for:

  • reviewing data ownership and access arrangements,
  • custodian arrangements for data,
  • retention schedules and disposal methods,
  • retention of evidence that this has occurred (for example an email).