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RDM - Preserve & Store: Selection and Preservation



Selection and preservation of data refer to the processes involved in identifying which data to retain and ensuring its long-term storage and accessibility. This practice is crucial for maintaining the integrity and usability of data over time.  

However, not all data generated during research needs to be preserved. Selection criteria should be established to determine which data is valuable for long-term retention. Below are several selection criteria that you may consider related to the Selection and Preservation of your data: 

 

Criteria Explanation
Potential for future research This includes data that supports published results, or holds significant historical or scientific value.
Relevance Data should be selected based on its relevance to the research objectives and its potential impact on the field. Irrelevant or redundant data can be excluded to optimize storage and management resources. 
Compliance Selection should also consider compliance with legal, ethical, and funding requirements. Certain data may need to be preserved to meet regulatory obligations or funder mandates.
Cost-Effectiveness Balancing the cost of storage solutions with the needs of the research project is important. Researchers should consider both the initial setup costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.

Videos

Knowledge clip: Preserving data (6:02)

A video created by Ghent University, which covers the following areas: 

  • Reasons for preserving data 

  • Steps to preserve data & data selection criteria  

  • How to prepare data for preservation 

  For enquiries, please contact the Library's Research Data Management Services of the Research Support and Scholarly Communication Section at lbrdms@cityu.edu.hk