Research Data Management and Publishing

Effective Data Search

If the search has led to some datasets of interest, these must be thoroughly examined and the quality and reusability of the database assessed.
The README.txt file and all metadata are helpful. If you start to delve into them, you can find a lot of good and bad examples from which to learn how to publish your own data in good way.
Metadata should provide so much information that you don’t need to download it until you’re absolutely sure you want to explore or use it.

The following article provides some tips for effective data retrieval; you can delve into each point when you open the article:
Gregory K, Khalsa SJ, Michener WK, Psomopoulos FE, de Waard A, Wu M (2018) Eleven quick tips for finding research data. PLoS Comput Biol 14(4): e1006038. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006038

 

  • Tip 1: Think about the data you need and why you need them.
  • Tip 2: Select the most appropriate resource.
  • Tip 3: Construct your query strategically.
  • Tip 4: Make the repository work for you.
  • Tip 5: Refine your search.
  • Tip 6: Assess data relevance and fitness -for -use.
  • Tip 7: Save your search and data- source details.
  • Tip 8: Look for data services, not just data.
  • Tip 9: Monitor the latest data.
  • Tip 10: Treat sensitive data responsibly.
  • Tip 11: Give back (cite and share data).