What is a Data Management Plan?
A data management plan (DMP) “details how data will be collected, processed, analyzed, described, preserved, and shared during the course of a research project.” (National Library of Medicine)
Why do I need a DMP?
A DMP is helpful for organizing the collection and use of data during a research project and retention and sharing of data after a research project.
May be required by grant funding agency--SPARC/RDAP provides a Digest of Federal Data Sharing Requirements (Excel spreadsheet).
Examples include the National Institutes of Health - NIH Data Management Sharing Policy and National Science Foundation - NSF Data Management Plan Requirements.
What is in a DMP?
Elements may vary, depending on research needs and/or funding agency requirements, but typically include:
- Data details – How and what type(s) of data will be collected or created?
- Documentation and metadata – What will be done to ensure the data can be utilized now and in the future? Are there related tools, software, and/or code?
- Ethics and legal compliance – What will be done to ensure the data is collected ethically? How will data be stored? Who can use the data? How long will it be kept? How did research participant provide consent for data collection? How can data be shared? Who owns the data?
- Storage and backup – How will data be stored and secured during research? How will data be backed up? Who oversees storage and backup? Who controls the access to the data?
- Selection and preservation – How might potential reuse and sharing of data affect preservation, retention, and security? Will the data be submitted to a repository?
- Data sharing – Will data be shared? How will data be shared? When will it be shared? How will it be publicized? Where will it be stored (e.g., data repository)? Are there restrictions on data sharing?
- Responsibilities and resources – Who is responsible for implementing the DMP? How will the aforementioned steps be completed?
How can I develop a DMP?
Illlinois State University has affiliated with DMPTool and it can be accessed through Central Login.
Logging in through Central Login allows ISU users to access helpful information specific to campus.
What does a DMP look like?
DMP examples:
- Data Management Plan Database - contains more than 200 DMPs from a variety of disciplines, methodologies, and data types
(from McMaster University) - federal agencies
Who can help me with a DMP?
Contact Chad Kahl, Milner Library’s Data Services Librarian.
