Frequently asked questions

The MRU Data Repository is MRU’s research data repository within the Borealis service, a network of institutional data repositories across Canada. It is intended primarily for research data and is designed to preserve and make publicly available datasets stemming from research conducted by members of the MRU community. Data in the repository is discoverable through Borealis and other data search tools. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Research data is often understood as data used as evidence in the research process and to support research findings. What counts as relevant research data can vary by discipline and project. The MRU Data Repository is intended for datasets and related supporting materials that contribute to transparency, reuse, and reproducibility.

Who can deposit data?

• MRU faculty, staff, and other affiliated researchers may deposit data in the repository, provided the dataset meets repository standards. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Senior undergraduate students conducting primary research may deposit original datasets. Student data is subject to the same standards as other deposits, and students should attend a research data management workshop provided by the Data Librarian before deposit. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• External researchers may deposit data if they are affiliated with MRU through a research collaboration or similar partnership. Ideally, at least one MRU-affiliated creator or author should be connected to the dataset or associated work. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

What belongs in the data repository?

The repository is intended for datasets, including full datasets, subsets of larger datasets, or replication data associated with a project’s findings. Datasets may be in raw or processed form, but they should be substantial. Institutional administrative data may also be deposited when the purpose is to make that data publicly available.

Tables of aggregate data, graphs, charts, posters, presentations, and similar outputs are often a better fit for a broader repository, such as an institutional repository or services such as Figshare or Zenodo, depending on the material and purpose of sharing it. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

What should I include with a dataset?

• enough documentation for another researcher in the field to understand and use the data independently
• a readme file in TXT or PDF format
• complete and accurate required metadata
• clear and consistent file names
• preservation-friendly file formats where possible

All datasets are reviewed by MRU Library staff before publication. Review may include metadata, documentation, file naming, formats, and suitability for the scope of the repository. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

What should I check before depositing?

• whether you have the legal right to deposit the data
• whether human research data was cleared by the MRU Human Research Ethics Board or an equivalent oversight body
• whether participants consented to deposit and sharing, if human data is involved
• whether confidential, proprietary, or embargoed files require restricted access

Public access to files may be restricted where needed, including for confidentiality, proprietary terms, or embargoes.

How do I deposit data?

Researchers depositing files up to 5 GB can generally self-submit datasets. If you want to deposit files larger than 5 GB or specialized formats such as shapefiles, contact the Library before beginning the submission process. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

For more information or to explore the repository, visit the MRU Data Repository.