Storage and Curation
Where you store your data will depend on the nature of your data. You should check the storage options to make sure it is appropriate for the type of data you will collect. The USU Data Quick Reference Chart Links to an external site. tells you at a glance where it's appropriate to store your data. The Data Classification Quick Reference Guide Links to an external site. describes types of data in each category. View the USU Data Handling Requirements Links to an external site. to determine if your data type requires special handling or storage.
Wherever your data is stored, you need a plan for backing it up. Document this plan and describe it in your data management plan.
The 3-2-1 Rule is a simple way to remember how to care for your important files:
- Three Copies of your files on
- Two Different Locations with
- One - More than One Storage Media
This can be accomplished in a number of ways:
- Save your data to your desktop, to an external hard drive, and to Box.
- Save your data to your desktop, a departmental sever and to Box.
- For a short video explaining the 3-2-1 rule in more detail, see the University of Wisconsin Data Services Video Links to an external site..
Above image from: slide in Graduate Training Series research data management workshop (2016): https://gradschool.usu.edu/grts Links to an external site.