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UMB Data Catalog: Find UMB Data

Guide on how to submit and find data in the UMB Data Catalog

Finding Data from UMB Researchers

In the UMB Data Catalog, you can search for or browse datasets created or supported by fellow UMB researchers. The Data Catalog also includes a few publicly available datasets that have been used by UMB researchers who serve as local experts on these datasets.

Check the box for UMB-Generated Datasets to browse or search only datasets created by UMB researchers.

Datasets can be filtered by:

  • Subject Domain
  • Geographic Coverage
  • Access Restrictions (which is indicated as Unrestricted access, Approval required, Registration required, Fee required, UofM personnel only)
  • Timeframe

Searching for Data Workflow

1.  Define Search Parameters

  • Determine the variables, data types, and unit of analysis (hospital data, aggregate data, patient level data, etc.) that are essential for your research question.
  • Consider the frequency of the data collection, geographic region, population demographics, time period (a single point in time vs. changes over time), and the format of the dataset.

2.  Keywords and Synonyms

  • Break down your research question to determine keywords and define relevant synonyms.
  • Just as you search the literature, it's important to include synonyms as a means to find the most relevant sources.

3.  Who Collected the Data

  • Think about who may have collected the data you need and decide where you want to start searching.

4.  Begin Searching

  • Use the information you've compiled to start searching relevant data repositories and organization websites.
  • You may need to use a site like re3data to find possible repositories to search. Also consider what organizations may collect the data you're looking for. (For example: the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.N., Pew Research)
  • Use a database like PubMed to search existing publications that have associated data available. (use the "Associated Data" filter to narrow your search results) 

5.  Review Documentation

  • Review the data codebook to determine if the variables meet your research needs.

6.  Evaluate the data

  • Evaluate the source, quality, and relevance of the data. See the Evaluating Datasets and Data Sources tab for tips.
  • Remember to consider any restrictions or data use agreements that may be applicable.

Searching for data workflow: 1. Define Search Parameters 2. Keywords and Synonyms 3. Who Collected the Data 4. Begin Searching 5. Review Documentation 6. Evaluate the data

Other Data Catalogs

The University of Maryland, Baltimore is a member of the Data Discovery Collaboration (DDC), a multi-institutional consortium that works together in order to address concerns around data discovery through discussions of metadata, outreach, software development, and systems and metadata interoperability.

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