Research Data Management: Storage & Backup

Quick presentation on how research data management best practices for storing and backing up your research data.

Transcript

1. RESEARCH DATA MANGEMENT: STORAGE + BACKUP FGCU Library WHAT ARE DATA MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES? HOW DO I STORE + BACKUP MY DATA?
2. Data Management Basics • Storage and Backup ◦ Where is your data stored and backed up? Would you be able to recover your project if your hardware failed or you accidentally deleted files? • Media obsolescence ◦ Will your data be able to be read in the future? How will changes in software, hardware, and file formats impact your data’s future accessibility?
3. Storage ≠ Backup Storage = working files These are the files you access regularly. Losing storage means losing current versions of your data. Backup = the regular process of copying data You don’t need the backup until you lose data, but it can save your research project.
4. Follow the Rule of 3! Keep three copies of your data • Two copies onsite • One copy offsite EXAMPLE 1. Personal computer or network drive 2. External hard drive 3. Cloud storage
5. Don’t keep your storage and backup in one place - it’s too risky!
6. Evaluate cloud storage services • There are a lot of cloud services, but not all are created equal! • Read the Terms of Service • Be careful with sensitive data ◦ Private, sensitive data (such as patient data) needs to properly stored to be protected • Use a storage service you can take forward with you ◦ Don’t rely on a university service you can’t afford after graduation
7. Evaluate cloud storage services Remember that ‘the cloud’ exists on a physical server somewhere. Cloud stored data can still be damaged or lost. “There is no cloud” sticker by Chris Watterson, available at StickerMule
8. Your files will become unreadable You can’t avoid obsolescence! But you can prepare for it. • Your favorite software will become obsolete ◦ New versions ◦ Decline in usership ◦ Business deals that cancel software • Average lifespan of media is 3-5 years • Migrate your files every few years - or more frequently.
9. Use open file formats You can’t avoid obsolescence! But you can prepare for it. • Choose open formats • Examples: ◦ .txt over .docx ◦ .csv over .xslx ◦ Metadata support in open format (XML) Some file formats are less likely to become obsolete. Open formats have a history of wide adoption + backward compatibility