Purdue University Research Repository gets a makeover

The Purdue University Research Repository, a research data management resource for Purdue faculty, staff and students, has been updated recently to better serve the University community.

PURR provides an online, collaborative workspace for Purdue researchers with tools for learning about data management best practices, privately sharing research files and publishing completed data sets. Its goal is to help researchers meet funders’ data sharing requirements and to move science forward by publishing and preserving open data, says Sandi Caldrone, data repository outreach specialist in the Research Data unit of Purdue Libraries.

The improvements made to PURR include:

* Ten times more storage space for private files.

* Full featured data sets gallery on the home page.

* Consolidation of all instructions, guidelines, tips and tricks to one “Help” section.

* New videos and tutorials.

* Easier access for graduate students.

The design was based on results from a usability study conducted in 2017. The website also has been streamlined so that it is much easier to navigate and use. It also is mobile-friendly.

Caldrone says that if someone has used PURR before, all of their data is still there. She also notes that published data sets are now called “Datasets,” instead of “Publications.”

The account registration process also has been streamlined for easier use. Any Purdue user can log in using their Purdue career account. Non-Purdue researchers can register for an account if they are invited by a Purdue researcher to collaborate on a project.

PURR is a collaboration among Purdue Libraries, ITaP and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships.

For more information, contact Caldrone at scaldron@purdue.edu or email PURR at purr@purdue.edu.