1. Who and what type(s) of projects are eligible for the Sustainable Digital Scholarship services? Is there any project not suitable for the SDS services via Figshare?
The SDS services are eligible for students and staff members of the University of Hong Kong on almost all digital projects, including research projects, student projects, community projects, science and technology innovation projects, etc.
However, projects that are structured for inclusion in relational databases will not be suitable for the SDS services since DataHub, the primary tool for the provision of SDS services powered by the Figshare platform, is not a database itself.
2. What is Figshare?
Figshare is a web-based interface designed for academic research data management and research data dissemination. It accepts all file types (with in-browser viewing). Its objective is to provide academics a permanent ‘home’ for their data by supporting long-term preservation. Along with the continuous development, the Figshare platform becomes a solution enabling academics to upload, share, cite and importantly discover all manner of research outputs, including any kind(s) of digital projects. Find out more at the Figshare Guide.
3. What are the features of Figshare?
The general features of Figshare are:
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Ability to upload single files up to 5GB
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Reservation of DOI before release of your work
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Assignment of DOI for your uploaded work upon publication
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Acceptance of any file format
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Accessible anywhere
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User-friendly interface for fast and resumable file uploading
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Automation of your workflows via using Figshare API
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Collaborative spaces with project members
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Private link sharing
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Creation of ‘Collections’ to showcase your work
Find out more at the Figshare website.
4. Why choose DataHub/Figshare as the primary tool for the Sustainable Digital Scholarship services over other data platforms?
DataHub, powered by Figshare, as an institutional data repository allows your project data to be preserved and showcased via an institutional channel. Unlike other data archive platforms, DataHub can make your data remain ‘live’ and ready to be updated or edited at anytime even after the project’s active phase. Beyond simply storing and archiving data, DataHub is an ideal platform suitable for preserving, collaborating, publishing and sharing your project data.
5. Can the Sustainable Digital Scholarship services help me in creating a Data Management Plan for my project?
Yes, we also offer support services for creating a Data Management Plan (DMP) via DMPTool. Please refer to our step-by-step guideline for DMP creation via DMPTool for details.
6. How persistent and citable will my data be?
Your project data published via the SDS services on DataHub will be assigned a unique versioned Digital Object Identifier (DOI). Your data files can be accessed via a DOI link which enables public access as long as the item remains in the repository. The platform also provides citations in different styles so that your data can be cited with the DOI easily.
7. Is account registration required for using DataHub?
No, a DataHub account (via HKU Portal login) will be automatically activated for HKU academic staff, research staff, and research postgraduate students upon commencement of their enrollment or appointment at the University. For other students and staff members of HKU, please contact us via Email-a-Librarian (select To: "Research Data" on the form).
For external project members outside of HKU collaborating with HKU members in a particular project, they are recommended to register a Figshare account in order to access the project data stored on DataHub. If they do not have one, non-login submission is also supported on DataHub. External members can submit data files via a configured webpage (https://datahub.hku.hk/submit) without having a DataHub or Figshare account.
Everyone depositing data onto DataHub must read and agree the Depositor’s Agreement.
8. How much storage can I have for my projects?
Each personal account will be assigned an initial of 100GB private storage on DataHub, with the ability to request for extra storage by submitting requests on your ‘My Data’ profile with valid justifications.
9. Is there any training and guideline available for using DataHub?
A user guide for using DataHub is available on the HKU Libraries LibGuide. Training sessions and workshops will also be organized by the Libraries regularly, please stay updated with us for any announcement in the future.
You may also refer to the end user guides provided by Figshare and the official Figshare’s YouTube channel for videos and electronic resources on how to use the Figshare functions.
10. Will there be any costs for using the Sustainable Digital Scholarship services?
The SDS services are available free of charge for digital projects conducted at the University. Due to resources restraints, if your project data exceeds 10TB in total, additional costs may be required for hosting your data.
11. How long will my data remain on DataHub via the SDS services?
All data deposited on DataHub will be preserved and the published items will be publicly accessible long into the future. The data will also be backed-up regularly. We are committed to provide a persistent ‘home’ for your project data.
However, dataset removal from DataHub may be applicable subject to the terms as listed in the Depositor’s Agreement and the relevant takedown policy.
Service Counter
3917-2202
WhatsApp: 5441-5441
Research Consultation (Eligible to HKU academic staff and postgraduate students only)
