RUresearch: Supporting the Management and Preservation of Research Data Aletia Morgan Presentation at Research Data Access & Preservation Summit 22 March 2012

1. RUresearch: Supporting the Management
and Preservation of Research Data
Aletia Morgan
Rutgers University Libraries
aletia.morgan@rutgers.edu
Research Data Access and Preservation Summit
March 22, 2012

2. RUcore and the RUresearch Service
A 2004 Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant to Rutgers to
develop and maintain a statewide repository prompted the development of
RUcore as a Rutgers-specific Trusted Institutional Repository.
In 2006, the first version of the Rutgers Community Repository, or RUcore,
was released with the following goals:
• To provide seamless, perpetual access to Rutgers University and regional digital
collections;
• To develop a flexible framework of “core” capabilities that would allow for
sustainability and interoperability;
• To create an information architecture which will support multidisciplinary and
diverse collections.
RUcore is intended to be a suite of tools that allows for the discovery, access
and reuse of all digital data types.

3. Key RUcore Features
Enterprise-Level Infrastructure
• 47 TB Isilon mass storage infrastructure, extensible to approx 400 TB
• Tape and off-site disk storage for reliable preservation
Software Architecture – Open Source
• Fedora Repository supports scalability and object diversity
• RUcore repository application that provides user, collection and
preservation services
• OpenWMS Workflow Management System supports the ingestion of
digital objects and preparation of metadata
• OpenEDT tool allows for self-submission of Electronic Theses and
Dissertations
• RUanalytic is a newly-released tool for clipping and annotating video
content

4. RUcore Conceptual Layout
User Input RUcore Portal
(metadata)
NJDH
NJVid ETDs
Workflow
Management
System User, Collection & Preservation Services
Fedora Repository (Main Server)
Object
XML
Video Server
Files Digital
Local Storage
Object
Archival Master
Encoding of Repository
Archival Master
Other Application
Object Ingest Servers

5. Key Rucore Enhancements
• Support for preservation of not only documents and images, but also data,
video, codebooks, software, instrumentation and other digital content
• Workflow Management System enhancements that allow for the use of
heterogeneous metadata standards and controlled vocabularies
• Programmatic embargoing of displayed data
• Persistent URLs / Handles
• Visibility via Google, Google Scholar
• Controlled access via Rutgers NetID authentication in testing
Utilization (AY2011)
• Total number of Objects 25,885
• Number of Downloads 203,000 (Avg 1 per second)

6. RUresearch
The Rutgers libraries are seeking to extend the existing robust RUcore
architecture to the preservation of Research Data, in response to the
recent requirements from funding agencies. The RUresearch Service
includes a suite of web and human resources (“the RUresearch Team”)
to support proper research data management and the preservation of
research products in the RUcore Trusted Repository.
• RUresearch Portal to search for, display and download research
project data sets, publications and other materials
• Enhanced workflow strategies for content ingestion
• Creation of personal portals for faculty research collections
• RUresearch Team services including outreach to faculty, data
management planning support, and assistance with data
preservation.

7. Incorporation of Research Data

8. Key Rucore Policies that Require Review for
RUresearch
Collection Development Policy Intellectual Property Policy
• Who may deposit items in RUcore? • How are creator's rights safeguarded
• What types of collections are in an open access repository?
acceptable? • Do I have the right to place my
• What type of preservation will published work in RUcore?
RUcore support? • Can restricted resources be hosted in
• Can a deposited item be removed RUcore?
from RUcore? • How can a user seek further
• Can an item be embargoed? permission to reproduce or reuse an
• What kinds of projects can RUcore RUcore resource?
support? • What constitutes responsible use of
RUcore by repository visitors?

9. Other Policy Questions (among many)
How to successfully expand collections to incorporate research data
yet address:
• Diversity of data types, including proprietary /custom formats
• Imperfect metadata librarian knowledge of project details
• Faculty desire for minimal time commitment to archiving, metadata
• Processes to support the cataloging of data sets used in multiple
projects
• Rutgers research that utilizes third-party or disciplinary data sets –
will we ingest?
• Preservation of research data that requires a permanent embargo
(due to IRB or other restrictions)

10. Thank you!
Aletia Morgan
Rutgers University Libraries
RDAP 2012 – 3/21/2012 aletia.morgan@rutgers.edu

11. RUcore Project Development
A Sampling of Resources on RUcore Today
• New Jersey Digital Highway
• New Jersey Environmental Digital Library
• Program–specific Projects with Custom Portals
– Video Mosaic Collaborative
– Equine Science Center
– Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)
• Faculty / Departmental Collections
• Special Collections