Overview
In this lesson (module) you were introduced to the concepts of research data organisation or housekeeping: what constitutes good data file management; the importance of managing data; file versioning, naming and re-naming conventions.
Key Concepts & Definitions
Research data files and folders need to be labelled and organised in a systematic way so that they are both identifiable and accessible for current and future users.
Naming files according to agreed conventions should make file naming easier for you as well as for others because there will be no need to ‘re-think’ the process each time.
Another benefit of consistent research data file labelling is that files are not accidentally overwritten or deleted.
It is important to consistently identify and distinguish versions of research data files as well. This ensures that a clear audit trail exists for tracking the development of a data file and identifying earlier versions when needed.
Key take-away: Whatever you do, be consistent throughout the process.
Additional Resources
Frazer, M. (14 January 2013). An Elevator Pitch for File Naming Conventions. ACRL TechConnect blog. Retrieved from http://acrl.ala.org/techconnect/?p=2607
JISC Digital Media. Choosing a File Name [Managing]. Jisc. Retrieved 4 June 2014 from
MIT Libraries. Data management and publishing: Organize your files. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Retrieved from http://libraries.mit.edu/data-management/store/organize
MS Instructional Design 