Research Guides: Geography: Data Repositories

Using Data Repositories

"A data repository is a storage space for researchers to deposit data sets associated with their research. An open-access data repository openly stores data in a way that allows immediate user access to anyone. There are no limitations to the repository access."

*****courtesy of: https://libguides.library.ohio.edu/finding-data

Google Dataset Search

Did you know that you can use Google to find data?

You can search for specific file types in Google Search, for example, CSV files for datasets. By typing into Google filetype:csv in the search bar you are "telling" Google to only search for things that have that specific file type. For example: (water quality AND washington) filetype:xls will result in XLS (Excel) files mentioning Water Quality in Washington.
- Limit search results by web domain by typing into your Google search: site:.gov. This will limit datasets, files, etc. from specific websites. You could even do .org for professional organizations.
  - a sample search would look like this
Google also has a Dataset Search Tool. When using this tool you will only be searching for datasets by topic!

Google Dataset Search

Suggested Free Data Repositories

data.gov
Launched in 2009, this repository stores the open data collected by federal agencies. The purpose of Data.gov is to increase public access to high-value, machine readable datasets generated by the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. Here you can find data but not store data.
Figshare
Interdisciplinary data repository to store and find data on a wide variety of topics. Researchers can search for and upload original datasets.
Harvard Dataverse
Harvard Dataverse is a multidisciplinary data repository but contains a great deal of social science data sets. Researchers can search for and upload original datasets.
openICPSR
Find and share social, behavioral, and health research data. Researchers can search for and upload original datasets.
Open Science Framework (OSF)
Broad interdisciplinary open access data repository that can handle datasets and supplemental materials. Researchers can search for and upload original research content.
Multidisciplinary Data Repositories These are some general or interdisciplinary data repositories you can search for data in or consider storing your collected data within. Many of these data repositories allow for quick dataset publication, provide a doi
The Qualitative Data Repository (QDR) is a dedicated archive for storing and sharing digital data (and accompanying documentation) generated or collected through qualitative and multi-method research in the social sciences, humanities, and related disciplines.
Zenodo
A multidisciplinary data repository that adheres to open science principles. Researchers can find and store datasets free of charge.

Searching for Data Repositories

Need a data repository, but you aren't sure which one? You can search these resources for a very specific repository for your data needs.