Better Data Management in 5 Practices

Data Management Checklist Template

Like the examples given in this guide? Here is a starting point that you can customize to your needs. Also, don't be shy if you find typos and/or things that I can help clarify on this page. 😊

Research Data Services

Need more help on research data management? The Research Data Services unit is dedicated to assist you at every stage of the research data lifecycle, free of charge.

Services we provide:

• Workshops: Build data skills with software, best, practices, and more. See a few examples in the Data Management tab or my workshop page for more.
• Guest lectures: Classroom, office, lab, or virtual! We can also host you at Parks.
• Consultation appointments: Need to talk through a data problem or get advice? We can help.
  • go.iastate.edu/VTSUMI
• Connecting you: If we are not the right people, we ill connect you to the resources that you need.
• Collaboration: Have an idea for a project, seminar, or workshop? Let us know.

Data Management Workshops

Research Data Services provide data relevant workshops, here are some examples that you can find in spring and fall semesters on the library event page.

Unpacking (Cy)Box for Better File Management

This workshop teaches you to organize files for easy retrieval and sharing. Discover how to manage files effectively, access them from anywhere, and collaborate with others. Leave the workshop armed with file management strategies, including naming conventions, folder structures, and documentation techniques.

Git Basics for Absolute Beginners

Git is a version control system: it tracks and manages changes to your files over time and allows you to include explanations for each change. This enables you to investigate changes and correct problems without losing code or data. Git works best with plain text data (such as txt, csv, tsv files) and most code files. This workshop introduces you to Git–how it works, its benefits, and how to get started—by learning and practicing the basics. This workshop is for anyone that works with plain text data and code but requires no prior knowledge of Git.

Escape from Spreadsheet Hell

This workshop introduces ways to structure your research data so it's both computer and human friendly. You can’t escape spreadsheets, but you can escape spreadsheet hell! This beginner-level Zoom workshop covers how to organize and document data in a spreadsheet program such as Excel. Includes some hands-on practice.

Introduction to DataShare and the ISU Digital Repository

This workshop covers how ISU's open-access repositories--DataShare and the Digital Repository--can help ISU faculty, students, and staff share and preserve your paper and data publications. You'll learn how to add publications to these systems and about benefits like tracking statistics, stable links, and author profiles.