July 9, 2024

Definition of research data 

In the context of this policy, we consider that research data are usually (1) the primary materials of research—not limited to numerical data and including processes such as software code and workflows, (2) the outputs of computation, experiment, or observation, and/or (3) materials generated during the research process that support transparency and understanding of research results. 

Research data collection development policy 

The MSU Library facilitates research data sharing and preservation through partnerships with third-party data repositories. Research data are not generally collected or preserved locally by the MSU Library. 

To support sharing, discovery and access for MSU research datasets, the Library sponsors free data deposit in Dryad and Qualitative Data Repository via institutional memberships. The Library also provides the MSU Dataset Search to facilitate discovery of MSU research datasets that are shared in third-party data repositories. A list of additional recommended data repositories is available on the MSU Library Data Services data sharing and discovery page. 

Note: Some research data may be included as supplementary material in MSU ScholarWorks. MSU Archives and Special Collections may also make exceptions for historically relevant research data that align with its collection development policy. 

Please contact us with any questions!