Why should I archive data?

ICPSR data advance scientific knowledge by making it possible for researchers around the world to conduct secondary analyses. ICPSR supports the social sciences by sharing data and methods with the research community, allowing for replication, verification, and extension of original findings, and making sure this is possible over time. Archiving data with ICPSR ensures the long-term preservation of data, protecting it from obsolescence, loss, or irreversible damage. Another advantage of archiving data with ICPSR is that our trained staff are available to provide user support. In addition, research funding agencies — including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and several other federal agencies — are increasingly recommending or requiring that all funded projects contain plans for sharing and managing data. Archiving with ICPSR, which continually adheres to prevailing standards and practice for long-term preservation, can meet those requirements.