Searching Every Nook and Cranny – The Challenges of Locating Research Data in Universities

Monash University undertook a process to (i) identify the systems where research data was currently reposing; (ii) map the metadata that was collected about the data on those systems; (iii) gain consensus on a minimum priority set of metadata to be aligned or collected in the future; (iv) use the resulting RDSC to develop further tools and guidance on research data governance.

The process has identified over 35 systems, controlled by the University, where researchers collect, store, transfer, share and analyse their data. The mapping of the metadata has provided the basis for a prioritised set of metadata subsequently agreed by key stakeholders. The RDSC has been used to develop guidance on the appropriateness of systems for research use as well as provide decision-makers with the visibility over the quantum and type of research data held on each system. The next steps will be to draw together the metadata currently collected and provide further insight into the number of projects/ datasets, department/ school distribution and commence collection of metadata on systems that currently do not.

To see the other public resources from the Research Data Strategy Team please visit our group page.