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Libraries

How UM researchers can preserve research data and scholarship

Try these new resources from UM Libraries to mark World Digital Preservation Day.

November 5 is World Digital Preservation Day. To mark the occasion, UM Libraries have launched new digital preservation resources for UM researchers, including those who are funded via the Tri-Agency and required to ensure their data is preserved for 10 years as of January 1, 2027. 

The new digital preservation toolkit and datUM file transfer platform will help UM researchers better ensure their digital research outputs remain accessible long-term for future re-use and increased research impact. 

The new digital preservation toolkit provides researchers with information and resources related to digital preservation of research outputs. 

The toolkit includes:

  • A quick overview of digital preservation and the expectations on researchers
  • Terms and definitions that researchers might encounter while reviewing preservation options
  • Actions researchers can take throughout the research data lifecycle to ensure their files are preservation-ready at the end of a research project
  • Guiding questions to help researchers think through long-term decisions that may impact preservation
  • Access to the Libraries digital preservation documentation so that researchers can review or cite relevant preservation documentation if needed for data management plans, research ethics protocols, and other documentation
  • Information on UML repositories that provide preservation support
  • Preservation and curation support at the Libraries

Browse the new digital preservation toolkit for UM researchers. 

 Digital Preservation Toolkit

 

Get file curation and data support using datUM

Researchers who need more in-depth support for files and formats can now request support using the Libraries’ new datUM platform — a browser-based file transfer tool that can be used by UM researchers seeking to securely transfer research outputs such as data or scholarly works to the Libraries for further assistance. 

Research files can be submitted through datUM to facilitate:

  • Data curation support
  • Digital preservation assistance
  • GIS or data viz consultations
  • Open scholarship project inquiries
  • Research data management support 

Files transferred to the Libraries via datUM are packaged in accordance with BagIt specifications. Packaging the files in this way helps ensure the files are not altered, and that key linkages that may be important to your research data are maintained throughout the transfer. 

Researchers with a UM affiliation can request access to datUM by contacting the Libraries’ Research Services and Digital Strategies unit to discuss their research data issues and questions. 

Learn more about datUM