ICPSR Units

Collection Development

ICPSR's Collection Development unit acquires and processes new data. This unit enhances the value of data, making it easier to use and accessible, with a focus on long-term preservation. Collection Development also conducts disclosure risk analyses and modifies data to protect the confidentiality of research subjects and preserve analytic utility.

Collection Delivery

This unit concentrates on making data accessible to ICPSR's wide community of users in the forms that users need. A Metadata group standardizes the "data about data" that allows users to find the datasets that will be useful to them. A Web Development team manages the Web sites for ICPSR and associated units, which is how data are delivered to users. The User Support staff helps users find data they need, answers data-related questions, and helps solve technical problems using ICPSR services. The Membership and Marketing group recruits new Consortium members who subscribe to ICPSR services, and helps members promote the use of ICPSR data in their institutions. A Publications group produces an Annual Report, a biennial Bulletin, newsletters, ads, and other publications.

Digital Preservation

This unit ensures that ICPSR's digital resources will be available and usable for future generations. Led by a Digital Preservation Officer, the unit develops digital preservation policies for ICPSR, conducts research in this area, and provides training. The Digital Preservation pages on our site reflect the priorities and activities of this unit.

Educational Activities

ICPSR's Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research is a world-renowned program for basic and advanced training in the methodologies of social science research. The Summer Program serves a diverse multidisciplinary and international constituency. The general instructional philosophy emphasizes the integration of methodological strategies with the theoretical and practical concerns that arise in research on substantive social issues.

The Instructional Resources and Development unit extends ICPSR's expertise in teaching quantitative literacy and disseminating resources for undergraduate and graduate education.

Computer and Network Services

This unit provides computing infrastructure and software development for ICPSR and also contributes strategically to organizational objectives by exploring and assessing new technologies related to digital preservation, content delivery, and research data management.