Answered By: The Library
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2024     Views: 120

There is a difference between working storage and archival storage.

Working storage is where you store the data you are working with on an active research project.

Archival storage is where you store the final data from a completed research project.

Western Sydney University offers both types of storage.

Working storage

Working data is collected during an active research project.

The University offers online storage options for researchers to use as a secure platform to store and share working data.

Note: Personal equipment and unsecured hard drives are not recommended as they do not protect data against unauthorised access, alteration, removal, destruction, and accidental or intentional damage.

  • OneDrive cloud storage: All staff and students have 1TB of storage available on OneDrive. Up to 5TB is available through the Microsoft Office 365 Online Portal by using your Western Account.
  • University network drives: Data is secured by Western Account Login credentials and systematically backed up by ITDS.

This WFH OneDrive Guide helps you connect to OneDrive for optimal use. For assistance with these working data storage solutions, please contact the IT Service Desk.

Archival storage

Datasets associated with completed research projects are described and retained by the Library in the ResearchDirect repository for long-term access and archiving.

The Library works with ITDS to create secure long-term storage for archived datasets, taking into consideration privacy and access conditions associated with the data. This video describes how to submit a research dataset to ResearchDirect.

For assistance with this process, access the ‘Support for research data management planning’ form for Staff and Students in WesternNow.

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