Research Data Management: Data Management Plans

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. 

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)?

Information often included in a DMP:

• Types of Data
• File Formats
• Organizing Files
• Metadata: Data Documention
• Persistent Identifiers
• Security and Storage
• Sharing and Archiving
• Citing Data
• Copyright and Privacy

NEH (20111-2014)

Sample NSF Data Management Plans from UC San Diego

Sample NOAA Data Management Plans