Below is general guidance on how to locate and choose a repository. JHU Affiliates are welcome to contact Data Services at our email address for further assistance.
Understand Data Sharing Constraints: Many funders and publishers encourage the sharing of research data through a repository. However, if you need to restrict access due to sensitive data or other legal limitations (e.g., proprietary data), make sure your chosen repository has appropriate access controls. When choosing an appropriate repository, researchers need to consider whether access to data should be controlled (e.g., requestors apply for access and are verified) or if it can be open (i.e., anyone can find and download data anonymously and without a cost). NIH’s guidance on when to use controlled-access repositories is useful even if you do not have NIH funding.
JH Compliance offices have developed guidance on the use of controlled-access repositories as well.
- Data Sharing Tiers for Broad Sharing of JHM Clinically Derived Data [pdf]: Written by JHU Data Trust, a guide to determining the types of repositories you can use to share clinical data. Requires JHU affiliation JHED to login.
- General JHU IRB Expectations for Sharing of Individual Level Research Data [pdf]: Written by JHU IRBs. The table outlines considerations researchers should be aware of when developing plans for data sharing when the data to be shared is from human research participants.
Look for a Disciplinary Repository First: Funders and publishers prefer that you deposit into a disciplinary repository that specializes in data from your research domain and/or data type if one is available. Disciplinary repositories can make your data more discoverable to others in your field. The Data Repository Navigator Tool allows you to filter by subject area and data type. In addition, some funders and publishers dictate exactly which repositories you need to deposit into, so be sure to check the terms and conditions for those policies or requirements as well.
Use JHRDR if No Disciplinary Repository Available: If your type of research does not have an appropriate disciplinary repository available to use and your data can legally and ethically be open access, please deposit your research into the Hopkins-managed generalist repository, JH Research Data Repository (JHRDR).
Learn More About the Repository: Once you identify a potential repository, we encourage you to go to the repository website and verify its suitability. Some things to consider:
- Does it mint unique persistent identifiers (e.g., DOIs)?
- Do they accept my data formats and data from my type of research?
- Do existing datasets contain appropriate levels of documentation describing the terms of dataset access and use?
- Are there any costs associated with depositing my data?
- Are there limits on the size of the overall dataset and/or individual file?
- If so, can I pay for additional storage?
- How current is the site? Are there indicators that the repository is maintained?
- Does the repository follow the National Science and Technology Council’s guidance on Desirable Characteristics of Data Repositories for additional features to look for in a robust/appropriate repository.