Writing a Data Management Plan
The first step in data management is to write a data management plan describing how research data will be generated, stored, and made accessible. Often research grant applications require such a plan.
For assistance in writing an effective data management plan, see the DMPTool.
With the DMPTool, you can:
- Create ready-to-use data management plans for specific funding agencies;
- Meet requirements for data management plans;
- Get step-by-step instructions and guidance for data management plans;
- Learn about resources and services available at USU to fulfill grant data management requirements.
For more information about agency mandates on data management, see USU Libraries: Research Data Management.
Main Components of a DMP
A well written data management plan will clearly explain how data will be handled throughout the research project. Components include:
- Roles and responsibilities: Who is responsible for the data and who will make sure the DMP is followed?
- Types of data produced: What file formats will data be in? How much data will be produced? Number and size of files? Where will data be stored during active phase of project?
- Organization and description of data: How will data be processed and organized? How will it be described so others can use it?
- Data access and sharing: How will data be shared? Will it be embargoed? Is there sensitive data? If so, how will it be handled? Does data need special software? Equipment?
- Data re-use: Who may re-use data? How should others re-use data? What credit should be given for data re-use?
- Archiving and preservation: Which data from your project should be preserved and for how long? Where will it be archived? How will data be described (metadata)?
Data Management Plan Tool
Information often included in a DMP:
DMPs from successful grant applications
This LibGuide supplements our Research Data Management Web Site.
