1. Who and what type(s) of projects are eligible for hosting on DataHub? Is there any project not suitable for deposit?
Staff and students of the University of Hong Kong are eligible to deposit and publish almost all types of digital projects on HKU DataHub, 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 deposit.
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:
Ability to upload single files up to 5GB
Reservation of DOI before release of your work
Assignment of DOI for your uploaded work upon publication
Acceptance of any file format
Accessible anywhere
User-friendly interface for fast and resumable file uploading
Automation of your workflows via using Figshare API
Collaborative spaces with project members
Private link sharing
Creation of ‘Collections’ to showcase your work
Find out more at the Figshare website.
4. Why choose DataHub/Figshare as the hosting repository 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 Research Data Services team help me with 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. Research Postgraduate (RPg) students who wish to seek for consultation on DMP writing may submit a consultation request and make an appointment with our librarian.
6. How persistent and citable will my data be?
Your project data published 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. Individual research team may further request customized training by contacting us via email.
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 depositing and publishing my project on DataHub?
IT is currently 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?
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.