Criteria and evaluation of research data repository platforms at the University of Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

At the University of Pretoria (UP), Pretoria, South Africa, a team consisting of members of the IT and Library departments has evaluated several research data repository platforms in-depth. A list of criteria was developed based on other lists of criteria, a South African research data repository workshop, and several internal and external discussions and surveys. Two commercial and four open source research data repositories were short-listed for evaluation. Recommendations were sent through in February 2017 to the University executive in the form of a report. The University is also keen to investigate the possibility of forming a consortium with other South African Universities in order to obtain the best research data platform at an affordable price.