Glossary of Terms
The terms listed are used as defined below in the Archive policies and other documentation associated with the Archive.
Administrator: a member of University staff who is authorised to handle the deposit of datasets and undertake activities necessary to the management and maintenance of the Archive.
Data repository: an institutionally-managed service that preserves, publishes and enables long-term access to research data.
DataCite: the organisation that manages the registration of DOIs using the DOI system and guarantees their persistent resolution.
Dataset: a set of files constituting a discrete and clearly defined set of data related to a research activity or project, or supporting one or more research publications. It may include both data and the means to generate, interpret or validate data, such as software code. In addition to data files, a dataset will include supporting documentation.
Depositor: any registered user who deposits a dataset and accompanying metadata in the Archive.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): a globally unique persistent identifier that designates and resolves to a landing page for an object (which may itself be physical or digital). A DOI can be assigned to the landing page for a dataset held in the Archive and should always be used to cite the dataset.
Documentation: any files accompanying a dataset, which provide information supporting the interpretation and use of the dataset. Documentation may include a readme file or user manual, copies of or information about data collection instruments, a data dictionary or codebook, details of protocols, methodologies, etc.
Embargo: a temporary restriction on access to a file, with a specified expiry date, on which the restricted file becomes available.
Embargoed: access setting for files that are placed under embargo.
Licence: a legal statement on behalf of the rights-holder in intellectual property, which grants permissions to re-use the licensed material.
Metadata record: a structured description of a dataset, to enable identification, discovery, interpretation, use and administration of the dataset. A metadata record exists for each dataset on a landing page with a unique URL and DOI (where a DOI has been registered for the dataset).
Open: access setting for files that are openly accessible to all users without restriction.
Public user: anyone who may read and use all publicly-accessible content in the Archive.
Published research findingsPeer-reviewed research outputs, including publications and doctoral theses that have been deposited in CentAUR.
Research data: material collected or created in digital or non-digital form for the purposes of analysis to generate original research findings.
Registered user: a member of staff or research student who is registered with and able to log in to the Archive using their University account.
Restricted: access setting for files that are accessible only to members of staff and research students with a University account.
Restricted dataset: a dataset deposited in the Archive containing personal data or other information, which may be shared with legitimate researchers on a controlled basis, subject to application and authorisation, and under the terms of a data access agreement.