Open Science Framework: research data management tool
Posted: May 31, 2019
Open Science Framework (OSF) is a free online tool that helps researchers stay organized during their project. It facilitates sharing of materials and data with team members. OSF also facilitates easy sharing of data upon completion of the project. Users are able to control who can access their materials: for example, a private project only allows for project collaborators to access the material. There is a file size limit of 5GB or less to be uploaded. Larger files can be stored using add-ons, such as Amazon S3, Dropbox, GitHub, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
Best practices are recommended for your project. You should create an upload a data management plan and data dictionary. If you plan on sharing your data, you can host the materials with OSF, provide a DOI, and share via social media. It is not HIPAA-compliant, so data needs to be de-identified if public. OSF also allows for preprints, which can be sent to publishers for consideration and peer review. If you need assistance getting started or following best practices, contact the library or visit our new data services guide, which provides resources and helpful information on all aspects on the data life cycle.
by Adrienne Brodie, MLS, liaison librarian for ATSU-ASHS & ATSU-SOMA