It is not always possible to make research data and results from research processes available to the specialist community in subject-specific or data-specific repositories. Generic repositories (e.g. Zenodo) are a good way of keeping this data available in the long term.

Such generic repositories are usually designed to accept a wide variety of data types and formats . It is not uncommon for other publications such as papers, presentation slides, documents etc. to be stored in these infrastructures. Generic repositories typically have generic metadata schemas, e.g. based on the DataCite metadata standard, to describe their holdings. They often also enable the allocation of generic licenses and graduated access regulations for published material.

Due to their orientation, generic repositories cannot map subject-specific properties of research data and publications in depth, particularly through their metadata. Typical format representations of research data cannot usually be provided either. Accordingly, subject-specific findability, reusability and interoperability of data and publications for certain specialist communities is often not given. Nevertheless, generic repositories ensure that research data is not lost and can be kept available in the long term, even if there are no specific solutions.

For optimal and efficient advice and support in publishing and securing your research data, we are available to you in the current situation by e-mail or video conference. You can reach us easily and conveniently via info-dch(at)uni-koeln.de.