Using RaYDaR

What is RaYDaR?

RaYDaR exists to store, showcase and share York St John University's research data on an open access basis.

This includes research datasets linked to existing research outputs and standalone datasets.

RaYDaR's visual interface and navigation also makes it a great option to publish and display practice based and creative research, such as artwork, animation graphics or performance pieces.

RaYDaR supports the Open Data movement. As the research landscape evolves, more publishers and funders or research require data to be made open. RaYDaR's functionalities span the research process, with options to store and send research data privately as well as adding embargoes and a range of open licences.

RaYDaR is part of the Figshare platform, a global open repository committed to storing, sharing and the discovery of research data in all formats. For more information, jump to the Figshare section below.

Research data types

There are many types of “Research Data” across academic disciplines.

Common types included data entered onto spreadsheets, lab or field work notes, or interview transcriptions and surveys.

Research data can also be multimedia or audio-visual content, such as photography and animations. Annotations, sketchbook work and sculpture designs are also classified as research data.  

Any material created or used a research project is also research data, such as methods and approaches, experimentations or reflections. Documenting and sharing these materials on an open access basis allows audiences to explore the full narrative or development of a research project and inspire, inform future research.

Research data types can include:

• Annotations, transcriptions and notes (diaries, sketchbooks, drawings)
• Artefacts and models (sculptures, exhibition installations, digital objects)
• Interview transcriptions
• Laboratory and field notes
• Methodologies
• Multimedia and audiovisual files (photographs, films, tapes, musical scores and recordings, podcasts)
• Poster presentations
• Questionnaires and surveys
• Samples and specimens
• Software code, scripts, database contents
• Spreadsheets
• Textile designs

For examples of how research data can be displayed on RaYDaR, jump to our Figshare section below.

RaYDaR supports any file format and can be curated in file, folder and project structures. Metadata is required as part of the deposit process. If you have research data but are unsure how to describe or whether it can be uploaded, contact ray@yorksj.ac.uk.

All RaYDaR records are sent to the Scholarly Communications Team within the Library for review before being published online. On publication, all RaYDaR records receive a DOI, making them a published output.

Research data uploaded to RaYDaR should be accessible, and in accordance with the FAIR data principles. For information on how to make your research data stand out and be discoverable on RaYDaR, visit the Figshare guide to metadata. 

Benefits of using RaYDaR and Open Data

There are many benefits of sharing research data openly. It allows you to:

• Increase, and monitor, the impact of your research. This includes number of views, downloads and citations across the globe.
• Comply with funder and publishing requirements.
• Gain opportunities for further research projects and collaborations, nationally and globally.
• Ensure accountability and transparency of the research project.

Getting started with RaYDaR - Guides

For support or guidance with RaYDaR, you can view and download the collection guides below. More information can also be found on the Figshare Knowledgebase.

• RaYDaR Guides – Uploading Research Data and Data Management Toolkit
• RaYDaR Guides - Practice-based and creative research, Artistic Portfolio (MRes students only)

Figshare Platform - A Global, Open Repository

Figshare was launched in 2011 and created by an academic for academics as an alternative to the traditional formats of repositories. By using modern infrastructure, such as visualisation and display techniques, Figshare stores, showcases and preserves research outputs of any format which can be accessed in the browser display or by download.

The links below display different research data types across different organisations:

• Visual artwork: final collage research piece
• Laboratory station set up for photography
• Exhibition photography
• App files and source code
• Error rates figure
• Word frequency graph

Figshare is an open global repository. Every dataset published can be accessed and viewed by others without a login. This makes Figshare a valuable resource in finding secondary data for research in addition to uploading primary data.

Every output published on the Figshare platform automatically receives a DOI, making datasets an independent piece of work which can be linked to research outputs which build on that dataset. Published datasets on Figshare are also discoverable on search engines, making them reach even larger audiences and be more citable.

The Figshare platform allows effective data management from uploading to publishing data. It allows multiple file uploads at one time and the grouping of datasets into collections for personal use, storing and larger collaborations.

Accessibility

Read our accessibility statement for RaYDaR on our dedicated page.

RaYDaR accessibility statement