The University of Tennessee’s Research Data Policy states that “the University promotes the prompt and open exchange of Research Data with scientific colleagues outside the investigator’s immediate laboratory or department, subject to relevant grants, contracts, other agreements, or applicable law.”

Would anyone other than you want to use your research data?  Yes, they would!  If it’s worth analyzing, it’s worth sharing.  Here are some possible reasons you might want to share your data:

• Improved data quality and reliability
• New research from existing data
• More data available for research
• Ability to reproduce research results
• Use of data in teaching
• Compliance with legal requirements of funding agencies

The UT Libraries suggests sharing data sets in a suitable, domain-specific data repository.  Libraries staff can assist you in identifying the best one and guide you in preparing your data set for sharing.  Remember to place a record of the data set in UT’s digital archive, TRACE, so it can be associated with the University.

For more information, visit the Libraries’ data management guide and agriculture data guide.