Using RaYDaR

What is RaYDaR?

RaYDaR exists to store, showcase and share York St John University's research data.

This includes research datasets linked to existing research outputs, such as research added to RaY, or standalone datasets. RaYDaR's visual interface and navigation also makes it a great option to publish and display non-traditional research outputs such as artwork, animation graphics or performance pieces.

RaYDaR supports the Open Data movement. As the research landscape is evolving, 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 to collaborators and publishers as well as embargoes and open licences.

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

Research data types

Research data consists of many types and differs between academic disciplines. Traditionally research data may be thought of as data entered onto spreadsheets, lab or field work notes or interview or questionnaire transcripts and surveys. Research data can also be multimedia or audio-visual files such as photography and animations. Annotations, sketchbook work and sculptures are also classified as research data.

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 accepts any file format of research data which is deposited, alongside metadata inputted by the researcher. If you have research data to deposit in RaYDaR but are not sure how to describe it or if it can be uploaded, contact raydar@yorksj.ac.uk. Please note all RaYDaR records are sent to the Library for review prior to publishing and going live.

Where possible, 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

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.
• 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

For support or guidance with RaYDaR, you can download the RaYDaR and data management guides linked below, or email raydar@yorksj.ac.uk. More information can also be found on the Figshare Knowledgebase.

• RaYDaR introductory guide for staff (PDF, 0.2MB)
• Research data tool kit - full guide (PDF, 1.2 MB)
• Research data tool kit - slides (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Figshare Platform

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.

Many institutions and organisations use Figshare as a data repository (such as RaYDaR) to document different data types. This includes data outputs which are linked to published works or research projects, standalone research pieces, or supplementary data that documents additional parts of the research process.

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.

Browse Figshare