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Data management plans

A Data Management Plan (DMP) is a document that helps researchers and funding agencies understand the type of data that will be produced, how data will be managed and preserved, and how data will be shared. 

Introduction to Data Management Plans (DMPs) by The Digital Research Alliance of Canada.

Elements of a DMP

Although a DMP can take many forms, it typically includes the following elements:

Data collection

What type of data will be collected (formats, file naming and organization, version control)?

Documentation and metadata

How will the data be documented and described (metadata, README files, data dictionaries)?

Storage and backup

How will the data be stored, for how long, where will it be backed up, and who will have access to it?

Preservation

Where will the data be deposited and how (file formats, documentation, anonymization, etc.)?

Sharing and reuse

What data will be shared and under what conditions?

Responsibilities and resources

Who will be responsible for the data at the end of the project and what will be the cost of data management during and after the project?

Ethics and legal compliance

How will sensitive data as well as legal, ethical, and intellectual property issues be managed?

Source: DMP Assistant

Help and resources

Research data management consultations are available for Concordia faculty, students, and staff. Find out more about how librarians on the Library's RDM team can provide guidance. This service is part of Concordia's Institutional Research Data Management Strategy.

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