How to Deposit Data

ICPSR encourages researchers to deposit their own computer-readable data in the archive for long-term preservation and for use in secondary analysis by other social science researchers. The following information is intended to assist you in the preparation of your data for submission.

Preparing a Dataset for Deposit

The Data Deposit Process

The ICPSR electronic deposit procedure facilitates the secure upload of files via a Web browser and establishes the terms and conditions of the data transfer.

The form also enables the depositor to describe the data collection being deposited. The depositor may designate others to access and add information to the form if desired. The form was designed to permit the depositor to save his/her progress through the form so that it does not need to be completed in one session.

The online form is estimated to take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

Electronic Deposit Form

If you encounter any issues with the form or have questions, please contact deposit@icpsr.umich.edu. If you are preparing a physical data submission, you can use the PDF version of the Data Deposit Form (PDF 169K) or the Microsoft Word version of the Data Deposit Form (Word 74K).

From Data Submission to Release and Beyond

When a data collection arrives at ICPSR, the data will be prepared for public release and archived in perpetuity, thus benefiting the entire social science research community, now and into the future. The pages below explain in detail the steps undertaken by ICPSR toward this end.

Data Deposit Resources

If you have questions about depositing data, see Acquisition Resources, which offers contact information, links, and documentation.

^ top of page

Careers | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Official Representative Site | Accessibility