Developing an Interactive Data Deposit Decision Tree

A number of resources exist that guide researchers to select an appropriate repository in which to deposit their research data. Most focus repository selection through a specific lens, such as funder requirements, FAIR principles, or sensitive data. This project represents an attempt to develop one interactive tool that lets user needs determine the best path. Three objectives guided us: (1) our Decision Tree needed to account for institutional and national contexts, including funder requirements, legal and ethical frameworks, and institutional practices; (2) we wanted to help researchers make informed decisions about depositing their data and cultivate a deeper understanding of the many factors that might impact their choice; and (3) we wanted to develop a flexible and interactive tool that responds to researchers’ varying priorities and motivations. Our Decision Tree simultaneously helps researchers make the right data repository selection, introduces users to the research data landscape, and streamlines consultation processes and library workflows.