Data Services Policy
Mission
Data Services facilitates access to numeric data files for secondary data analysis. Data Services helps researchers identify appropriate data files, locates files in the Libraries or through external sources, and acquires data and documentation files for the Libraries' collections.
Data File Identification
Data Services offers consulting on the content and format of the Libraries' data holdings, as well as data files not held by the Libraries. Reference assistance in identifying appropriate research studies and data files is available to University of Tennessee faculty, staff, and students, as well as non-UT persons. Service to researchers affiliated with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has priority over service to all other patrons.
Data File Availability and Access Information
Data Services attempts to locate data and documentation files requested by the researcher. Information on how to access or order the files is provided to the user, regardless of his or her affiliation. Service to researchers affiliated with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has priority over service to all other patrons.
Data File Acquisition
Data Services acquires data and documentation files available through consortia and organization memberships (e.g., ICPSR) and no-fee data providers (e.g., U.S. government statistical agencies) for University of Tennessee, Knoxville, faculty, staff, and students. Data products from commercial or fee-based organizations may be purchased by the Libraries if funding is available and the cost is reasonable and justified. Data Services cannot guarantee the purchase of any data product requested by the patron.
Data Services does not download, order, purchase, or otherwise acquire data files for patrons not affiliated with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Preparing Data Files for Use
Data Services can assist University-affiliated patrons with the extraction of a subset of data for analysis. Patrons in need of complex or extensive manipulation of data files are referred to Research Computing Support for assistance.
Statistical Analysis and Consulting
Data Services does not provide computing or statistical consulting on research projects. For assistance with manipulating, summarizing, analyzing, graphing, mapping, or interpreting data, patrons are referred to Research Computing Support.
Page last updated August 6, 2010.
