Find answers to the most common questions about RDA and links to user guides. If you would like to talk to us in the Research Data Group about how to best prepare your data for visibility and reuse, contact us at forskningsdata@usn.no.
Please note: If the data you are archiving is associated with a publication registered in NVA, you should update the NVA publication with the URL to the dataset after archiving.
Frequently asked questions
How do I log in?
- Go to https://usn.figshare.com/ and «Log in» at the upper right corner.
- Log in with Feide.
- You will automatically be assigned to your faculty and department.
How do I get started?
- After logging in, click on **Create new item** to start archiving your research data.
- Fill out the registration form as thoroughly as possible. The metadata you provide will determine how easily your data can be found and how relevant it appears to other researchers.
- «Categories». If an exact category for your data is not available, select an overarching category or use the keywords or description fields.
- «Licence». Here, you choose the license under which you want to publish your data.
What is DOI and why do I need one?
The data set gets assigned to a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) from Figshare. A DOI is a unique identifier that makes your data always available online when published.
How much storage space do I get?
All users receive 10GB of personal storage. Please make contact via the Figshare link if you need more.
Can I put an embargo on my data?
In some cases, it is necessary to place an embargo on the data for a period. This is fully possible in Figshare and can be done by clicking "Add Embargo" in the submission form.
How long is the data stored?
All data is stored for a minimum of 10 years.
Can I save my data along the way?
Yes. Select "Save changes" without checking "Publish." Now you are able to publish when you’ve finished editing.
What happens to the data after it is published?
The data stays in Figshare and can be downloaded and used by others. You will be cited if someone else uses your data.
Can I create projects?
- Create a project if you want to collect data files in a project you are working on.
- Projects in USN RDA can be individual or group projects. You can invite other researchers into both types of projects. All invited researchers can enter data files in the project.
How to create Collections?
- Create a collection if you want to compile data under a subject.
- You can both add your own private data and open data found from Figshare's archives.
- Collections are for one person only and you can not invite other researchers.
Why do I need to create a Readme file?
- In addition to registering metadata in Figshare, you fill out a so-called Readme file. This is a file that explains the contents of the dataset and is uploaded together with the data files. The format should preferably be a .txt file, but other formats are also possible.
- In the Readme file, enter your contact information and relevant information about your data: for example, formats, standards, codes, or which programs are used to open the files. The University Library has created a template so all you need to do is fill in the fields you think are relevant. Delete the fields you don't need.