Digitool as a Research Data Repository

Abstract

At the Colorado School of Mines both external and internal drivers have emerged that require access to scientific research. External drivers include Federal Agencies such as NSF, OMB, OSTP, NASA and others that mandate public access to data. Internal drivers come from the campus “Strategic Plan,” which prioritizes making data “easily accessible and sharable” as a way to enhance Mines’ reputation. At the same time Libraries are trying to figure out other directions and roles to enhance relevancy. Data management, coordination, curation and preservation are all things the Library can take a leadership role in! Among the needed service components is a way to provide discovery and delivery of research data. We are currently planning to use Digitool for published “small” and “medium” sized data sets and for related publications. This presentation will detail our progress in accomplishing our goals.