Dataverse / Borealis User Guide

What is Dataverse?

Dataverse is an open-source; publicly accessible; secure data repository provided by Scholars Portal (in Ontario) and other participating institutions.  It was recently renamed Borealis to reflect the service that it now provides to researchers across Canada.   Borealis uses the Dataverse platform. 
 

Researchers at Brandon University can use Dataverse to search for data, directly deposit data, create metadata, release and share data openly or privately, and visualize and explore data.  There is no direct cost to researchers for housing data here as it is paid for by the John E. Robbins Library at Brandon University.  
 

If you wish to use Dataverse simply register for an account.  This guide also point to training materials that you can consult regarding Dataverse.

These include instructional videos provided by the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) 

Why use Dataverse / Borealis?

Some key benefits to using Dataverse to manage your research data include:

• Secure data management. Dataverse supports the creation of terms of use and restrictions if you want to limit the use of or access to data. It also provides a backup copy for safekeeping.​
   
• Effective sharing. Dataverse is a convenient way to disseminate your data, and can facilitate your research team’s collaboration within a secure space.​
   
• Track changes. Dataverse provides file version control for managing changes to a project without overwriting any part of that project, an especially useful feature when working on a team.​
   
• Long-term access and preservation. Persistent identification and normalization of your data ensures reliable access and prevention from data obsolescence.
   
• Organization and compatibility. Create your own personal web data archive that conforms to international data standards to maximize system compatibility and searchability.​
   
• Save time. Dataverse has an easy to use interface for uploading and sharing your data.​
   
• Increase research visibility. Increase scholarly recognition for your work beyond your research publications.​
   
• Meet grant requirements. Many funding agencies now require that researchers deposit data which is collected as part of their research project into an archive.

Taken from:  https://learn.scholarsportal.info/all-guides/dataverse/#Why-use-Dataverse 

When Not to use Dataverse / Borealis

Dataverse is classified as a General Repository - which means it accepts all file types.  This makes it suitable for researchers needs across disciplines.  As a Canadian repository it also enables researchers to deposit data while taking into account data Sovereignty. 

There are a few instances when Dataverse will not be useful to you:

1. Dataverse has a size limit of 3 Gigabytes which means that it is not suitable for Massive data sets and you should instead use The Federated  Research Data Repository by Portage.  It provides access to up to 1 Terabyte and more space can be requested.  You can also consult this guide’s Training Materials to learn how to use FRDR. 
    
2. You cannot house Sensitive data in Dataverse.  All data must be stripped of identifiers that make it sensitive before it can be placed in Dataverse.
    
3. You may be required to house your data in a Subject / Domain repository by Funders or Publishers.  
   Note: In these instances you can still use Dataverse or Portage to house a copy of your data for the purpose of ensuring Data  Sovereignty (i.e. ensuring your data is housed in a Canadian Repository) but will also need to contribute data to the recommended repository.