ACQUIRING

Many occasions call for finding and/or creating datasets or databases. In these occasions, you want to develop a plan for their creation and management. See below for some helpful resources and services.

DATA SOURCES

There are tons of data already available in many formats and variables. These may be openly online or shared by researchers and agencies by contacting them. Some common data sources are

• Governmental and GIS data - see the GIS Guide for sources.
• Amazon Web Services Registry of Public Datasets is a huge resource of public data, including the 1000 Genome Project, an attempt to build the most comprehensive database of human genetic information and NASA’s database of satellite imagery of Earth.
• Medical Imaging data - see the Medical Imaging Datasets Guide for sources.
• UTA Libraries subscribes to and provides access to data sources, including SimplyAnalytics, ReferenceUSA, CRSP, and ICPSR. See the full list of resources.
• Institutional data from University Analytics. Data requests from UTA employees should be sent to UniversityAnalytics@uta.edu. (Login to see the data dictionary.)
• Proprietary datasets are available through the Libraries.
• And other subject specific data through data repositories. Re3data.org is a searchable global registry of repositories.

TOOLS

• For storage options, see these Sanctioned Services and Locations matrices developed by the Information Security Office.
• DataOne provides tips on data entry and manipulation best practices.
• QuestionPro, the preferred tool for campus surveys, is available for use by faculty, staff, and students, and it is approved for most confidential data (e.g., FERPA).
• Shimadzu Institute for Research Technologies at UTA provides access to instrumentation and expertise to support research in the hard sciences.
• The Life Sciences Core Facility provides software and biomolecular equipment for all researchers at UTA.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

• The Innovation and Commercialization Office receiving and stewardship of restricted or confidential information from 3rd parties through NDAs (acquiring and storing). Contact innovation@uta.edu for assistance.
• The OIT Office of Research Support can advise you on the technology available that can support your particular study or research design and storage needs. Contact: Edward Gonzales.
• UTA librarians can provide knowledge of common data sources and expertise in searching for resources. Find a librarian by academic subject.

Still stuck? Send us your questions or request a consultation at datahelp@uta.edu.