Depositing Data Sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Submission Guidelines

Please refer to the submission guidelines when preparing files for deposit.

Guidelines for Depositing Quantitative Data (pdf 64K)

Additional Data Collection Preparation Tips

When preparing the data for archiving, please remember the following:

• Direct identifiers must be removed from the research data file before deposit.
• If the dataset consists of two or more related files, variables that link the files should be included for each file along with documentation that clearly explains the relationship among the files and the variables needed to link them.
• Each variable should have a set of exhaustive, mutually-exclusive codes. These codes should be thoroughly documented in the codebook. Variable labels and value labels should clearly describe the information or question recorded in that variable.
• Document blanks whenever they are used as codes.
• Use separate codes to distinguish cases where information was not applicable from other types of missing data such as "don't know" or "refused to answer".
• Investigators are urged to check for out-of-range codes and codes that are inconsistent with skip patterns or internal consistency.
• If the data include transformed variables, variables derived from other variables, formulas or details should be provided which explain how the derived variables were computed.
• Include weights in the data files if they were developed. Explain how they were generated and appropriate ways to use them.
• Variables should be defined as numeric whenever possible. A wider range of analyses can be performed with numeric variables.
• A file providing an inventory of the files deposited is recommended.

Depositing Data

The online form is estimated to take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. An ICPSR MyData account is required to deposit data. If you do not have a MyData account, you will be prompted to create one before accessing the online form. Accounts are at no charge and offer several user-friendly features.

The online deposit form facilitates the secure upload of files via a Web browser and establishes the terms and conditions of the data transfer.

The form also enables the depositor to describe the data collection being deposited. The depositor may designate others to access and add information to the form if desired. The form permits the depositor to save information entered in the form and return to it later so that the form does not need to be completed in one session.

Deposit Form for OJJDP Awardees

For any materials that cannot be uploaded, including hardcopy only documentation and/or removable media, please complete the Deposit Form for OJJDP Awardees and upload any electronic files for deposit. (Skip Section VI. Upload Files if no files can be uploaded.) Print the completed form from the link in the email acknowledgement and send the printed form and materials to the address listed below. Please note that email is not considered a secure transmission mechanism.

Contact NACJD by email at nacjd@icpsr.umich.edu, or by phone, using the toll-free help line 800-999-0960 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST), or by mail at the following addresses:

ICPSR Acquisitions
Attn: NACJD, NIJ Data Resources Program
P.O. Box 1248
Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248

For UPS/FEDEX shipments:
ICPSR Acquisitions
Attn: NACJD, NIJ Data Resources Program
330 Packard Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104