Types of Questions Asked at a Data Help Desk

Students, postdocs, early career researchers, and established scientists can all benefit from using the output of a data help desk to manage their research projects, collaborate with others, and ensure the preservation and sharing of their research data.

A list of common questions can be found in the resources section of this website: Questions from users.

  1. General inquiries:
    • What is the purpose of the data help desk?
    • How do I get started with using the service?
    • What are the benefits of using the data help desk?
  2. Data management and curation:
    • How do I create a data package or archive?
    • What metadata standards should I use for my data?
    • How do I ensure data quality and integrity?
  3. Repository and storage options:
    • Which repositories are available for storing my data?
    • What are the requirements for data storage and access?
    • Can I store sensitive or confidential data in the repository?
  4. Data sharing and collaboration:
    • How do I share my data with others?
    • What are the best practices for collaborating on datasets?
    • Can I request access to someone else’s data?
  5. Data preservation and long-term access:
    • What measures are taken to ensure data preservation and long-term access?
    • How can I contribute to data preservation efforts?
    • Are there any specific requirements for data archiving or deposition?
  6. Technical issues and troubleshooting:
    • Why is my data not accessible?
    • How do I resolve errors or technical issues with the repository?
    • Can you assist me with formatting or converting data formats?
  7. Policy and governance questions:
    • What are the data sharing policies for the organization/ repository?
    • Are there any specific requirements for data ownership or usage rights?
    • How does the data help desk handle intellectual property issues?
  8. General questions about services and support:
    • Can I request a consultation or meeting time to discuss my data management needs?
    • Are there any upcoming events or training sessions related to data management?