Library Guides: Data Management: Data Management Plans

What is a Data Management Plan?

A data management plan (DMP) is a formal document outlining the ways in which a researcher has chosen to organize, manage, share, and preserve the data associated with his or her research.

Why Develop a Data Management Plan (DMP)?

Developing a data management plan is beneficial in multiple ways:

Assures long-term accessibility and preservation of the data.
Ensures the safety and accuracy of the data as you work.
Saves you and your research group time.
Assists in the replication of future scientific studies.
Meets funder and journal publication requirements.

Data Management Tutorial

Arizona State University Data Management Tutorial and Quiz
7-step tutorial covers the basics of creating a Data Management Plan.
CC BY

Resources for Creating Plans

DMP Tool
The DMP Tool is a service of the University of California Curation Center of the California Digital Library created to assist researchers create data management plans for a number of funding agencies.
ICPSR Data Management Plan
The Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) is a data repository at the University of Michigan. It offers guidelines, examples, and tools to create develop, or fine-tune a DMP.
National Science Foundation's Dissemination and Sharing of Research Results
Provides guidance about data management plans for each subject area.
NIH Data Sharing Policy and Implementation Guidance
The National Institute of Health's guide to data sharing expectations.
Purdue University Data Management Planning Guide
Purdue University's guide to creating data management plans.
University of Minnesota's Guide to Federally Funded Agencies Data Requirements
Data policies by federal agency with additional information about the DMP requirements.