University Library

Data Deposit

Data storage options

The UWB Data Repository allows research data to be recorded in two ways, depending on where the data itself is stored.

  • Metadata record including dataset – this type of record includes metadata and the dataset itself stored directly in the UWB Data Repository.
  • Metadata record with a persistent identifier for a dataset stored in another repository – only the metadata record is stored in the UWB Data Repository, while the dataset itself is stored in another trusted repository (e.g., a subject-specific or international repository).

How to store data in the UWB Data Repository

  1. Create a record in OBD
    Create a new record in OBD with the literary form Dataset and the required subtype.
  2. Fill in the metadata and prepare the data
    Fill in all the required metadata for the dataset. If you want to store the data itself in the data repository, upload the dataset to a shared folder on Alfresco.zcu.cz or to your workplace storage, to which you will grant access to the University Library. After inserting the dataset into the data repository, the dataset will be deleted from the shared folder on the Alfresco storage.
  3. Mark the data with an OBD identifier
    Insert the OBD record ID into the name of the file or folder containing the data.
  4. Send the record to Accepted status
    After filling in the metadata, send the record in OBD to Accepted status
  5. Check and save the dataset
    The University Library will check the record and metadata. If everything is in order, the University Library will add the dataset to the UWB Data Repository. If there are any uncertainties, the record will be returned to the author for modification.
  6. Assigning a permanent identifier
    After saving the dataset, the University Library will send the record owner a Handle identifier by email..

What research data should look like

In order for research data to be preserved, accessed, and reused in the long term, we recommend following these guidelines when preparing it:

  • README file with data description
    The dataset should include a README file that briefly explains the data content, file structure, variables used, abbreviations, and any restrictions on use.
  • Compliance with scientific standards
    When describing data, established scientific standards and recommendations (formats, terminology, metadata) should be respected.
  • Comprehensible structure and file names
    Files and folders should have clear and consistent names that allow for easy navigation even without in-depth knowledge of the project.
  • Open and commonly used formats
    Data should be stored in formats that can be easily opened without specialized or proprietary software (e.g., CSV, TXT, TIFF, PDF/A).
  • Legal and ethical readiness of data
    Data should be stripped of personal or sensitive information, anonymized as appropriate, and ready for licensing.

Support and contact

The University Library of the University of West Bohemia provides consultations on storing data in the repository and creating high-quality metadata. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at digknih@uk.zcu.cz.