ADA Public Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

Dataverse FAQs

2026-03-03T22:19:51Z

Mmcgale:

'''This page has been created to support applicants.'''

==[[Main_Page#Dataverse_FAQs|Which email?]]==

== Which email? ==

It is best to use your institutional email – university and/or work. These email addresses usually adhere to a higher level of security than personal or commercial emails such as Hotmail, Gmail, QQ etc. We also can’t verify who you are, if you use a personal email to open your account.

==[[Main_Page#Dataverse_FAQs|Dataverse Account:Verifying your email]]==

Log in to Dataverse and go to Account Information (top right menu under your name). Click “Verify Email” next to your email address to receive a verification link.

[[File:Email_Verify_Link.PNG]]

Use the link within 24 hours to complete verification. If you don’t receive the email within an hour, check your spam or junk folder.

'''Troubleshooting:''' ''If you see an error message, try a different browser. Also, if it has been less than 24 hours since you created your account, a verification link was sent in an email upon sign up. Check your emails to use that link.''

==[[Main_Page#Dataverse_FAQs|How to Update your Email]]==

Here’s how to update your email:

#Log in to your Dataverse account. https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/
#Click your username at the top right and select Account Information.
#In the Edit Account menu, choose Account Information again.
#Update your email to your institutional address and save the changes.
#You’ll receive an automated email to verify the new address—please click the link to verify your email.

'''Troubleshooting:''' ''If you don’t receive the verification email within an hour, check your spam or junk folder.''

==[[Main_Page#Dataverse_FAQs|DSS Longitudinal Studies Confidentiality Deed Poll]]==

If you want to access any of the [https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/dataverse/DSSLongitudinalStudies Department of Social Services Longitudinal Studies] datasets, you need to submit a [https://ada.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Confidentiality-Deed-Poll-Sept-2021.pdf confidentiality deed poll].

Please ensure that the deed is filled out correctly. This video explains how to fill it out [https://youtu.be/utEX6FKo_Jw?si=SgX6y0tGSR2XeNBy Youtube video].

[[File:ADA Public Wiki Deed Example.png]]

==[[Main_Page#Dataverse_FAQs|What to include in your Project Abstract]]==

A brief abstract should be a full paragraph (not just 1-2 sentences) that helps us assess whether this data suits your research/project needs and shows you’ve reviewed the
available metadata. Metadata tab is located above the data files list on Dataverse.

Please address:
*Your main research question or objective
*How you’ll use this data, including relevant methods and variables
*The purpose and significance of your research – what you hope to learn or achieve
This demonstrates you’ve confirmed this is the right data for your research or project.

'''Example Abstract'''
<blockquote>
This research examines the relationship between educational attainment and long-term income mobility among Australian workers, with particular focus on how skill development affects wage trajectories over time. Using the HILDA Survey data (Waves 1-24), I will employ fixed-effects regression models to track individual income changes while controlling for time-invariant personal characteristics. Key variables include educational qualifications, employment status, occupation type, household income, and the Wave 24 special topic data on education, skills and abilities.

The study aims to determine whether investments in education and skill acquisition lead to sustained income growth, or if returns diminish over career spans. This research will contribute to policy discussions on workforce development and lifelong learning initiatives by identifying which educational pathways produce the most significant long-term economic benefits. The longitudinal nature of HILDA's 24-year coverage makes it uniquely suited to this analysis, as it allows observation of the same individuals across their career trajectories, capturing both immediate and delayed effects of educational investments on economic outcomes.
<blockquote>

Security

2025-12-04T02:07:35Z

Mmcgale:

== Security Levels ==
The four primary ADA Dataverse installations are deployed on NCI VMware servers and are secured and monitored by NCI [7], and ANU ITS and CIO services [52]. Access to the VMs is controlled by NCI – the ADA Technical Manager requests when specific users should be given SSH access, with what privileges, and when they should be removed.

Access to ADA’s NCI-hosted remote desktop service (RDS) is through an NCI-managed GlobalProtect VPN ADA-specific group. The ADA Technical Manager communicates with NCI to request ADA employees be added to and removed from that group as needed when onboarding and offboarding employees.

The Dataverse backend PostgreSQL database ports are locked down to restrict access. NCI and the ADA DevOps manage access to these ports.

The ADA Dataverse installations are protected as much as possible by a conservative f5 WAF [55] that is tuned as needed. Suspicious activity that the WAF catches is blocked, monitored and reported to the ADA technical team. NCI implements an automated weekly scan of ADA services including Dataverse installations and sends a report to the ADA team highlighting potential and real security issues. The ADA DevOps is responsible for addressing those security issues and reporting any that remain unresolved.

The four primary Dataverse installations are protected as much as possible by a conservative f5 WAF [55] that is tuned as needed. Suspicious activity that the WAF can catch is blocked, monitored and reported to the ADA technical team. NCI implements an automated weekly scan of ADA’s services including Dataverse installations and sends a report to the ADA team, plus others, highlighting potential, and real, security issues. The ADA DevOps is responsible for addressing those that are possible to address and reporting back on those that are not. The SIP/AIP/DIP files reside on NCI storage (server). This is protected by NCI standard protocols.

== Security Measures ==
* IT security is implemented by NCI and ANU Information Technology Services (ITS) [52].
* Risk analysis lies with NCI and ITS.
* Risk analysis relative to level of data sensitivity is undertaken by the ADA Archivist team.

According to the Australian Government Security Classification System, data archived at ADA is deemed as UNCLASSIFIED - DLM (dissemination limiting marker). The DLM would be 'Sensitive' or Sensitive-Personal'. - Protective Security Policy Framework [56]. Any data that is deemed too high risk to be made available for download through Dataverse is requested through Dataverse, but the data transfer is completed through an external service AARNET File Sender [57].

== Security for the Facility & Digital Objects Premises ==
IT security and risk analysis is implemented by NCI and ANU Information Technology Services (ITS) [52].

Risk analysis relative to level of data sensitivity is undertaken by the ADA Archivist team. Any data that is deemed too high risk to be made available for download through Dataverse is requested through Dataverse, but the data transfer is completed through an external service – AARNET File Sender [57].

The ADA office is secured and accessible by ANU-issues staff card access for ADA staff only. The access card is an ANU centrally controlled photo identity security system. All secure physical data objects are stored in a locked safe in a locked storeroom, or locked cupboard in a second locked office within ADA. Computer screens are locked while staff are absent from their desks.

NCI servers are protected according to NCI standards. NCI is based in a secure building on ANU campus accessible to authorised NCI staff only. Approved visitors must be signed in, wear visitor identification, and be accompanied by NCI staff.

The ADA complies with ANU policy for Information technology security [58] and Code of Conduct [59].

== Authentication & Authorisation==
Dataverse maintains CoreTrustSeal appropriate application-level security and user authentication [60].

Access to ANU infrastructure is restricted to students or staff members of the ANU. Roles and corresponding system privileges are managed by the ANU ITS team [58].

Access to the NCI infrastructure requires a NCI user account. Users who wish access to NCI infrastructure must apply for an NCI Project to be created. That request is approved or rejected by NCI administrators. The Project owner/manager must grant access to specific NCI user accounts to allow those user accounts access. NCI user accounts are forced to be reasserted and a new password created every 6 months.

Access to data for the ADA archiving team is through the secure NCI RDS set up specifically for ADA. The ADA RDS is behind the NCI f5 firewall where it has direct access to the ADA data storage also managed by NCI. The ADA RDS requires GlobalProtect [61] VPN to login, and to be a member of a specific GlobalProtect group. The ADA Technical Manager requests a new ADA archivist to be added to the group when they begin employment and requests removal when an employee leaves.

== References ==
[39] Security - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Security)

[58] ANU Policy: Information technology security – (https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_000421)

[59] ANU Policy: Code of Conduct – (https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_000388)

[60] Dataverse Security – (https://dataverse.org/book/security)

[61] Global Protect – (https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/sase/globalprotect)[7] National Computational Infrastructure – (https://nci.org.au/)

[52] ANU ITS – (https://services.anu.edu.au/business-units/information-technology-services)

[57] AARNET File Sender - (https://www.aarnet.edu.au/filesender)

[55] F5 – (https://www.f5.com/)

Storage & Integrity

2025-12-04T01:42:03Z

Mmcgale:

The ADA archival workflow [34] outlines processes to manage the integrity of the data and metadata flow through the Archive. The ADA Archival Workflow Diagram [103] reflects the distinct deposit, ingest, curation, access, and storage locations for each of the archival phases.  

==Data and Storage Management==

The Dataverse software [49] supports data management and auditing, and minimal reporting, through user accounts. Detailed reports not available via the Dataverse UI/API are created with Metabase [82] queries into the backend database.

ADA has progressively developed versions of the ADA Processing Tool (ADAPT [6]) based on the OAIS Reference Model [42]. ADAPT enables archivists to programmatically manage movement of data and metadata between Dataverse instances and archival storage, to manage data integrity based on the OAIS Reference Model specification [42].

As part of this OAIS RM adherence, each archivist-actioned ADAPT [6] function creates or appends to a log using a standard provenance ontology (PROV-O) [3]. This log is stored as part of the OAIS Archival Information Package (AIP) [42] to support auditing of archival activities actioned through ADAPT. ADAPT version 3 has been deployed into production, reflecting the ADA's commitment to continuously review and develop strategies that minimise the risk of manual data and metadata management, versus building this management into a software application.

Data and metadata are stored with each Dataverse instance, and versioned at publication of a dataset. ADAPT [6] is used to move data and metadata between the Dataverse instances as required at each archival phase.   

Dataverse exports metadata in several formats. The JSON export format of the DDI metadata also includes Dataverse system metadata such as fixity checks on uploaded data files (checksum MD5). During each of the OAIS Ingest Phase and Publish Phase [42], ADAPT exports/copies this JSON metadata to archival storage for preservation of 1) the original OAIS Submission Information Package (SIP) [42] metadata and data files, and 2) the published OAIS Dissemination Information Package (DIP) [42] metadata and data files. This export ensures the integrity of digital objects from deposit to access can be verified against any changes to the data.

==Strategy for Multiple Copies==

Multiple copies of data corresponding to the OAIS Reference Model’s [42] SIP -> AIP -> DIP phases are created and managed primarily programmatically with the ADAPT tool implementation (steps labelled with 'ADAPT' in [6]) creating Dataverse datasets and ARCHIVAL STORAGE [6] directories as required for each of the 3 phases, supplemented with 2 manual archivist steps [6].

1. Submission Information Package (SIP) [6]:

::Copies of Metadata and data exist in 2 locations:
::a. deposit.ada.edu.au (Dataverse database & filesystem)
::::*DDI metadata
::::*Data

::b. ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103]
::::*Data

::The “Data” in b. is the same as the “Data” in a.

2. Archival Information Package (AIP) [6]:

::Copies of data and metadata exist in 3 locations:
::a. Archivist Processing Space [103]
::::* Original SIP data which is then curated by archivist

::b. ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103]
::::* Generated AIP Data

::c. Dataverse TEST [95]
::::* DDI Metadata (copied from deposit.ada.edu.au)
::::* Data (from 2b.)

3. Dissemination Information Package (DIP) [6]:

::Copies of data and metadata exist in 2 locations:
::a. dataverse.ada.edu.au (production) [10]
::::* DDI metadata
::::* Data

::b. ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103]
::::*DDI metadata
::::*Data

::The “DDI Metadata” and “Data” in b. is the same as the “DDI Metadata” and “Data” in a.

==Updating Published Data==

- Any changes to existing files, or addition of any files, that are to be made to a *published* dataset on Production Dataverse [10] results in the creation of a major version of that dataset when it is re-published.

- This scenario (updating files of an existing published dataset on Production Dataverse) necessitates a new SIP->AIP->DIP process, managed via ADAPT [6], and using the original SIP dataset on the Deposit Dataverse [94].

- Because files in the SIP/AIP/DIP will be changed, ADAPT creates a superseded-<date> folder in the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103] for that dataset, and all of the SIP/AIP/DIP file directories relating to the current (as yet unchanged) dataset are moved to this superseded folder.

- The new set of files from the updated Deposit [94] dataset are then copied to the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103] for this dataset and represent the new SIP. 

- The archivist then uses ADAPT [6] to reinitiate the SIP->AIP->DIP flow, which then proceeds as previously described.

==Risk Management==

The OAIS model [42] is implemented with data stored for each of the SIP, AIP, DIP directories in the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103], and on the Dataverse backend servers. Through use of the ADAPT tool [6], the archive team is forced through the implemented OAIS model to manage copies of files across the SIP/AIP/DIP directories in the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103]. ADAPT's adherence to the OAIS model [42] minimises the probability of the data copies becoming unsynchronised.

==Deterioration Handling==

ADA ARCHIVAL STORAGE and Dataverse instances [103] are provisioned, hosted and backed up on servers at the National Computational Infrastructure (NCI). NCI has procedures for monitoring bit level integrity against the deterioration of their storage media. NCI notifies ADA if there are plans for any necessary upgrades and when those upgrades will take place.  

The ADA technical team works with NCI to keep server operating systems updated to supported versions. NCI informs the ADA technical team when a Virtual Machine (VM) operating system (OS) is no longer going to be supported. NCI provisions new VMs when necessary, and the ADA technical team moves Dataverse installations to these new VMs.

==Deletion Processes==

Data in the SIP or AIP state can be deleted by the ADA archivist team if directed by depositors, or for legal reasons. The archiving team retains any records relating to the request for deletion. Data in the DIP state (published on Dataverse Production [10]) cannot be deleted.  

As datasets on Deposit and Test Dataverse are not published, deleting a dataset from Deposit does not create problems with the temporary test (non-production) DOI that is created for it. Simply deleting the dataset deletes everything relating to it including the files stored in the backend server /files/xxxxxxx directory. The DOI does not have to be tombstoned [4] as the DOI prefix is a fake or test prefix, unrelated to ADA’s production DOI prefix. The data stored in the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103] SIP and AIP subdirectories are manually deleted by the responsible archivist.  

If required, ADA will deaccession (rather than delete) DIP datasets that have been published on the production Dataverse [10]. This results in the dataset being labelled as "Deaccessioned" in Dataverse and renders the Dataverse data files accessible only to users with the correct permission levels (generally only ADA staff). The files remain in the Dataverse server /files/zzzzzz/ directory and in the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103] DIP directory. The DOI is marked as “:unav Dataset” in Datacite and resolves to the deaccessioned Dataverse Production dataset.

==References==

[34] Workflows – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Workflows)

[103] ADA Archival Workflow Diagram - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Main_Page#ADA_Archival_Workflow_Diagram)

[49] The Dataverse Project – (https://dataverse.org)

[82] Metabase - (https://www.metabase.com/)

[6] ADAPT - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/ADAPT)

[42] Open Archival Information System (OAIS) Reference Model - (https://ccsds.org/publications/magentabooks/entry/3054/)

[3] PROV-O – (https://www.w3.org/TR/2013/REC-prov-o-20130430/)

[95] ADA Test Dataverse - (redacted)

[10] ADA Production Dataverse - (https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/)

[94] ADA Deposit Dataverse - (https://deposit.ada.edu.au)

[4] Datacite Tombstone – (https://support.datacite.org/docs/tombstone-pages)

Technical Infrastructure

2025-12-04T01:39:56Z

Mmcgale:

==Repository Software==

The ADA implements the OAIS Reference Model [42] with deployed Dataverse [49] installations for the SIP (deposit.ada.edu.au), AIP (dataverse-test.ada.edu.au) and DIP (dataverse.ada.edu.eu).   

The Dataverse Project [49] is open source and community-supported code. The Dataverse team has described how the Dataverse software meets CoreTrustSeal Technical Infrastructure requirements [50].

ADA also implements web-based tools, including those developed and maintained in-house, to support its archiving process:   

Open Source: 

* Metabase  for reporting analytics [82] 

* OSTicket task management and tracking application [51] 

In-House :

* Curation and Risk Assessment Tool (CARAT) [73]  

* ADA Deposit and Preservation Tool (ADAPT) [6]  

* Ingest Reporting Tool (upload of SPSS, generates data dictionary, quality check, confidentiality check) [74]

* Coordinated Access to Data, Research and Environments (CADRE) [97]

Data access provision, from both dataverse.ada.edu.au and anu-dataverse.ada.edu.au production DIP instances, is managed through Osticket [51] ticketing software, with access being Granted or Rejected in Dataverse itself by adding file permissions for approved users. Along with Dataverse, Osticket as a service is required to be available to manage access requests. 

The ADA has implemented a stand-alone web application that is built around the 5 Safes [96]: CADRE (Coordinated Access to Data, Research and Environments) [97]. CADRE integrates ADA's Production Dataverse [10] for specific datasets, facilitating more efficient access requests and approvals/rejections. Requests for Production Dataverse [10] datasets managed through CADRE [97] are approved and revoked within CADRE [97], with granting/revoking access to and from users in ADA's Production Dataverse [10] occurring programmatically.

ADA will gradually manage all its dataset access requests through CADRE [97].

==Version Control==

The Harvard Dataverse Project team uses GitHub [54] for its version control system.  Any in-house tools or software that ADA produces internally are managed through GitHub.   

==IT Service Management==

Due to its simplicity when compared to the ITIL Service Management framework, the YASM Service Management framework has been initiated by the ADA Technical Manager.  As part of this YASM framework, a Service Portfolio has been created, to record and track ADA’s various internal and external services. 

At the end of every calendar month, the ADA DevOps role performs updates and maintenance tasks on all of ADA’s services, to keep code and applications up to date.  A simple Change Management approach is taken to inform the internal ADA team and external users of changes that will be implemented with upcoming Dataverse upgrades. ADA maintains Dataverse installations whose sole purpose is to test changes in new Dataverse releases before pushing the update to ADA’s three primary publicly consumed installations. ADA plans the release schedule of new Dataverse versions in step with the Dataverse Project’s releases. Not all available functionality is desired for ADA so any new functionality is tested and evaluated to determine when to enable it.    

NCI [7] performs an automated weekly set of security tests on ADA’s NCI-hosted services. A report with any identified issues is emailed to the ADA technical team and to the ADA Director. The ADA technical team carries out maintenance to address the report-identified issues. ADA also receives email alerts from the Australian Signals Directorate (Australia’s national cyber security and intelligence agency) [98] and/or the ANU Information Security Office (ISO) [99] bringing attention to any discovered problems with one or more ADA Services, with a request to address them. The ADA technical team works to address those problems and reports back to the alerting organisation.

==Infrastructure Standards==

ANU and NCI [7] have security standards in place to prevent ANU and NCI technical infrastructure from being adversely affected. NCI monitors the primary Dataverse installations with its f5 WAF [55] service.   

==Availability, Bandwidth & Connectivity==

ADA's web services including its Dataverse installations are available 24/7. Data access requests are prioritised and managed within the time capabilities of the ADA Access Management team. Messaging is posted to the ADA’s website and production Dataverse instances to alert users to future ADA shutdowns, to allow users to submit data access requests in a timely manner.  

NCI [7] manages network availability and bandwidth for ADA’s NCI-hosted services:

:::'''Network details (17/10/2025)''':

:::AVAILABILITY:
::::Network is at ~ 99.95%

:::BANDWIDTH:
::::Over 10Gbps available

:::CONNECTIVITY:
::::Redundant network connectivity to ADA services

:::DISASTER RECOVERY:
::::Active - Failover automatic network recovery

:::'''ADA's VM Datastore(s)''':

:::ADA's VMs are all hosted on high availability compute clusters that will restart any VMs on surviving compute hosts within their hosted data centre cluster. ADA's VMs can also be manually restarted in the alternate data centre if there is a whole compute cluster failure or whole data centre outage.

:::'''NAS File Server Volume(s)''':

:::ADA's NAS file server is hosted on high availability storage cluster that will failover any file server to surviving storage nodes within their hosted data centre cluster. ADA's file server can also be manually restarted in the alternate data centre if there is a whole storage cluster failure or whole data centre outage.

NCI also manages its f5 WAF that provides a level of protection for ADA’s Dataverse installations.

NCI manages SSL certificates for ADA’s web-based services and inform the ADA technical team when SSL certificates are about to expire, reissuing them for installing on ADA’s virtual machines (VM).

NCI alerts ADA about planned NCI infrastructure outages. The ADA team posts messaging on the Dataverse installations, and the ADA website, to alert users that the systems will be offline on the specified date(s) and time(s).

The ADA technical team has deployed monitoring software that detects when ADA’s VMs go offline, sending an email to the ADA Director, Technical Manager and DevOps roles. The ADA Devops (primarily) and Technical Manager (if necessary) work to get the systems back online, consulting with NCI if necessary.   

==Disaster Recovery==

NCI [7] manages snapshots of ADA’s data as follows:

'''ADA's VM Datastore(s)''':
* Snapshot every 3 hours and retained for 24 hours.
* Snapshot every 24 hours and retained for 14 days.
* Mirrored to alternate data centre daily and retained for 24 hours.

'''NAS File Server Volume(s)''':
*Snapshot every hour and retain for 24 hours.
*Snapshot every day and retained for 7 days.
*Snapshot every week and retained for 1 month.
*Mirrored to alternate data centre daily and retained for 24 hours

Every 3 months ADA’s NCI mdss (mass data storage system) data is automatically tarballed and copied to the NCI mass storage / tape silo service.

The Dataverse databases are automatically backed up daily:
* Locally to their respective VM - retained for 1 month.
* to NCI external storage - retained for 6 months.

'''SSL Certificates and Domains'''

NCI is consulted on any technical issues related to SSL certificates and may inform the ADA team to consult ANU ITS. ANU ITS is also consulted on technical issues relating to ADA’s web service domains.  

==Technical Change==

The Dataverse GitHub repo [53] is monitored for new releases. The ADA Director and Technical Manager are also members of the Dataverse User Community [19] and are made aware of new releases via that group.  Any Dataverse bugs or new features needed by ADA are documented by the ADA Technical Manager on the Dataverse GitHub repo [53].

Any Dataverse feature requests for functionality deemed missing according to ADA requirements are created as an issue in the Dataverse GitHub [53] for consideration. 

==References==

[42] Open Archival Information System (OAIS) Reference Model – (https://public.ccsds.org/pubs/650x0m2.pdf)

[49] The Dataverse Project – (https://dataverse.org)

[82] Metabase - (https://www.metabase.com/)

[51] osTicket – (https://github.com/osTicket/osTicket)

[73] ADA CARAT tool – (https://github.com/ADA-ANU/ADA_Research_Data_Tools/tree/main/ADA_DRAT_v2)

[6] ADAPT – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/ADAPT)

[74] ADA Ingest Reporting Tool – (https://github.com/ADA-ANU/ADA_Research_Data_Tools/tree/main/ADA_reports)

[97] CADRE - (https://cadre.ada.edu.au)

[96] 5 Safes - (https://fivesafes.org/)

[10] ADA Production Dataverse - (https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/)

[7] National Computational Infrastructure – (https://nci.org.au/)

[53] Dataverse GitHub – (https://github.com/IQSS/dataverse/issues)

[19] Dataverse User Community – (https://groups.google.com/g/dataverse-community?pli=1)

Storage & Integrity

2025-12-04T01:04:18Z

Mmcgale:

The ADA archival workflow [34] outlines processes to manage the integrity of the data and metadata flow through the Archive. The ADA Archival Workflow Diagram [103] reflects the distinct deposit, ingest, curation, access, and storage locations for each of the archival phases.  

==Data and Storage Management==

The Dataverse software [49] supports data management and auditing, and minimal reporting, through user accounts. Detailed reports not available via the Dataverse UI/API are created with Metabase [82] queries into the backend database.

ADA has progressively developed versions of the ADA Processing Tool (ADAPT [6]) based on the OAIS Reference Model [42]. ADAPT enables archivists to programmatically manage movement of data and metadata between Dataverse instances and archival storage, to manage data integrity based on the OAIS Reference Model specification [42].

As part of this OAIS RM adherence, each archivist-actioned ADAPT [6] function creates or appends to a log using a standard provenance ontology (PROV-O) [3]. This log is stored as part of the OAIS Archival Information Package (AIP) [42] to support auditing of archival activities actioned through ADAPT. ADAPT version 3 has been deployed into production, reflecting the ADA's commitment to continuously review and develop strategies that minimise the risk of manual data and metadata management, versus building this management into a software application.

Data and metadata are stored with each Dataverse instance, and versioned at publication of a dataset. ADAPT [6] is used to move data and metadata between the Dataverse instances as required at each archival phase.   

Dataverse exports metadata in several formats. The JSON export format of the DDI metadata also includes Dataverse system metadata such as fixity checks on uploaded data files (checksum MD5). During each of the OAIS Ingest Phase and Publish Phase [42], ADAPT exports/copies this JSON metadata to archival storage for preservation of 1) the original OAIS Submission Information Package (SIP) [42] metadata and data files, and 2) the published OAIS Dissemination Information Package (DIP) [42] metadata and data files. This export ensures the integrity of digital objects from deposit to access can be verified against any changes to the data.

==Strategy for Multiple Copies==

Multiple copies of data corresponding to the OAIS Reference Model’s [42] SIP -> AIP -> DIP phases are created and managed primarily programmatically with the ADAPT tool implementation (steps labelled with 'ADAPT' in [6]) creating Dataverse datasets and ARCHIVAL STORAGE [6] directories as required for each of the 3 phases, supplemented with 2 manual archivist steps [6].

1. Submission Information Package (SIP) [6]:

::Copies of Metadata and data exist in 2 locations:
::a. deposit.ada.edu.au (Dataverse database & filesystem)
::::*DDI metadata
::::*Data

::b. ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103]
::::*Data

::The “Data” in b. is the same as the “Data” in a.

2. Archival Information Package (AIP) [6]:

::Copies of data and metadata exist in 3 locations:
::a. Archivist Processing Space [103]
::::* Original SIP data which is then curated by archivist

::b. ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103]
::::* Generated AIP Data

::c. dataverse-test.ada.edu [95]
::::* DDI Metadata (copied from deposit.ada.edu.au)
::::* Data (from 2b.)

3. Dissemination Information Package (DIP) [6]:

::Copies of data and metadata exist in 2 locations:
::a. dataverse.ada.edu.au (production) [10]
::::* DDI metadata
::::* Data

::b. ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103]
::::*DDI metadata
::::*Data

::The “DDI Metadata” and “Data” in b. is the same as the “DDI Metadata” and “Data” in a.

==Updating Published Data==

- Any changes to existing files, or addition of any files, that are to be made to a *published* dataset on Production Dataverse [10] results in the creation of a major version of that dataset when it is re-published.

- This scenario (updating files of an existing published dataset on Production Dataverse) necessitates a new SIP->AIP->DIP process, managed via ADAPT [6], and using the original SIP dataset on the Deposit Dataverse [94].

- Because files in the SIP/AIP/DIP will be changed, ADAPT creates a superseded-<date> folder in the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103] for that dataset, and all of the SIP/AIP/DIP file directories relating to the current (as yet unchanged) dataset are moved to this superseded folder.

- The new set of files from the updated Deposit [94] dataset are then copied to the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103] for this dataset and represent the new SIP. 

- The archivist then uses ADAPT [6] to reinitiate the SIP->AIP->DIP flow, which then proceeds as previously described.

==Risk Management==

The OAIS model [42] is implemented with data stored for each of the SIP, AIP, DIP directories in the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103], and on the Dataverse backend servers. Through use of the ADAPT tool [6], the archive team is forced through the implemented OAIS model to manage copies of files across the SIP/AIP/DIP directories in the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103]. ADAPT's adherence to the OAIS model [42] minimises the probability of the data copies becoming unsynchronised.

==Deterioration Handling==

ADA ARCHIVAL STORAGE and Dataverse instances [103] are provisioned, hosted and backed up on servers at the National Computational Infrastructure (NCI). NCI has procedures for monitoring bit level integrity against the deterioration of their storage media. NCI notifies ADA if there are plans for any necessary upgrades and when those upgrades will take place.  

The ADA technical team works with NCI to keep server operating systems updated to supported versions. NCI informs the ADA technical team when a Virtual Machine (VM) operating system (OS) is no longer going to be supported. NCI provisions new VMs when necessary, and the ADA technical team moves Dataverse installations to these new VMs.

==Deletion Processes==

Data in the SIP or AIP state can be deleted by the ADA archivist team if directed by depositors, or for legal reasons. The archiving team retains any records relating to the request for deletion. Data in the DIP state (published on Dataverse Production [10]) cannot be deleted.  

As datasets on Deposit and Test Dataverse are not published, deleting a dataset from Deposit does not create problems with the temporary test (non-production) DOI that is created for it. Simply deleting the dataset deletes everything relating to it including the files stored in the backend server /files/xxxxxxx directory. The DOI does not have to be tombstoned [4] as the DOI prefix is a fake or test prefix, unrelated to ADA’s production DOI prefix. The data stored in the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103] SIP and AIP subdirectories are manually deleted by the responsible archivist.  

If required, ADA will deaccession (rather than delete) DIP datasets that have been published on the production Dataverse [10]. This results in the dataset being labelled as "Deaccessioned" in Dataverse and renders the Dataverse data files accessible only to users with the correct permission levels (generally only ADA staff). The files remain in the Dataverse server /files/zzzzzz/ directory and in the ARCHIVAL STORAGE [103] DIP directory. The DOI is marked as “:unav Dataset” in Datacite and resolves to the deaccessioned Dataverse Production dataset.

==References==

[34] Workflows – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Workflows)

[103] ADA Archival Workflow Diagram - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Main_Page#ADA_Archival_Workflow_Diagram)

[49] The Dataverse Project – (https://dataverse.org)

[82] Metabase - (https://www.metabase.com/)

[6] ADAPT - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/ADAPT)

[42] Open Archival Information System (OAIS) Reference Model - (https://ccsds.org/publications/magentabooks/entry/3054/)

[3] PROV-O – (https://www.w3.org/TR/2013/REC-prov-o-20130430/)

[95] ADA Test Dataverse - (redacted)

[10] ADA Production Dataverse - (https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/)

[94] ADA Deposit Dataverse - (https://deposit.ada.edu.au)

[4] Datacite Tombstone – (https://support.datacite.org/docs/tombstone-pages)

Reuse

2025-12-04T00:01:35Z

Mmcgale: /* Supporting reuse */

=Engagement=
To ensure that data and metadata continue to be understood and used effectively into the future the ADA liaises regularly with the Designated Community – including data infrastructure and methods experts, data owners and custodians, and end users. The ADA works closely with academic colleagues in POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research [17] at the ANU which includes experts in research methods, design and statistical practices as well as social science subject matter experts.

The ADA staff are regularly involved in national and international workshops and conferences. And are active members of several industry groups, for example: the DDI Alliance [18], the Dataverse User Community [19], the Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc. (ACSPRI) [20] and the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR) [21] for data users. The ADA staff also contribute to ANU teaching and training programs.

The ADA access management team interacts regularly with data users via the ticketing system which functions as a request management platform and helpdesk for general enquiries. The ADA actively supports the establishment of new users in the system and acts as the first contact for queries about data in the collection and general queries about data management and end-of-life solutions for research project data.

=Supporting reuse =
The ADA publishes all quantitative data files in multiple formats that widely used by the designated community to support reuse:

*.sav (SPSS)

*.sas (SAS)

*.dta (STATA)

*.csv

=Metadata Standards=

The ADA requires a minimum level of DDI metadata based on ADA metadata guidelines [93]. ADA implements DDI-Codebook 2.5 for discovery and reuse in Dataverse and applies DDI-methodology elements at study and variable level for curated collections. Methodology coverage includes: study design, universe, sampling, data collection mode, fieldwork dates, weighting, cleaning operations, and instrument/question text (where provided).

=Controlled Vocabularies & Identifiers=

To support consistency, discovery, and interoperability, ADA uses:

:* ANZSRC Fields of Research (disciplinary classification for discovery/harvesting).

:* Licences: Creative Commons (for open/recorded-access collections) or ADA licence terms (for restricted collections).

:* Persistent identifiers & provenance: DOIs via DataCite; provenance captured through workflow logs with PROV-O classes in ADAPT (for SIP→AIP→DIP transitions).

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) Fields of Research (FoR) is one of a set of three related classifications developed for use in the measurement and analysis of research and experimental development (R&D) statistics in Australia and New Zealand. ANZSRC FoR codes are to be completed for published datasets to enable harvesting by the Australian Research Data Australia catalogue [16].

=Expected Documentation for Reuse=

Depositors are expected to provide project metadata and supporting documents where applicable, including the survey instrument, data dictionary, code book, data user guide, and technical report. The ADA archivists actively assess deposits for reuse and include usability recommendations in their data processing report for the depositor. Recommendations can include requests for additional metadata or documentation. The ADA supports updates and revisions to published data, metadata, and documentation outlined in Workflows [34].

=References =

[17] The Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/)

[19] Dataverse User Community – (https://groups.google.com/g/dataverse-community?pli=1)

[20] Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc. (ACSPRI) – (https://www.acspri.org.au/)

[21] World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR) – (https://wapor.org/)

[18] Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) – (https://ddialliance.org/)

[93] Metadata guidelines for ADA Dataverse - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Metadata_guidelines_for_ADA_Dataverse)

[16] Research Data Australia - (https://researchdata.edu.au/)

[34] Workflows - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Workflows)

Workflows

2025-12-04T00:00:45Z

Mmcgale: /* Adjusting Workflows, Decision Handling, and Change Management */

==Deposit==

ADA provides deposit guidelines on the public website [101] and the ADA wiki “Quick Deposit Guide” [5]. When a depositor contacts the ADA, the proposed deposit is appraised by the ADA for suitability [22]. Once the deposit has been provisionally accepted, an ADA archivist will set up a deposit shell on the ADA Deposit Dataverse [94] instance. The ADA archival workflow is managed across three separate Dataverse installations programmatically by ADAPT [6] to ensure data integrity [37] as data is moved between Dataverse instances. Depositors are instructed to upload all data and supporting documentation files to their dataset shell on the ADA Deposit Dataverse. An ADA archivist will prompt the depositor to complete the DDI metadata fields [93] on the deposit shell. The archivist will further correspond with the depositor if further information is needed to create complete documentation for their data, based on ADA requirements [33].

==Data Processing==

When the deposit shell is created using ADA’s ADAPT application [6], each deposit is assigned a unique six-digit ADA Identification (ADAID) number. The purpose of ADAPT is to ensure data provenance and authenticity [31] is maintained. ADAPT copies the deposited files to an archive directory identified by the same unique ADAID number as the Submission Information Package (SIP). Within the SIP, the initial draft deposit remains unchanged so that a complete end-to-end audit trail can be always maintained. The archivists create a copy of the data for curation and processing. Archival and working directories are accessed via a secure Remote Desktop Service (RDS), with storage and infrastructure managed by the NCI [37].

Archivists curate and process the data and documentation as agreed with the depositor. The level of curation [102] may depend on the type of data (e.g., quantitative or qualitative), the perceived value of the data to the designated community, its sensitivity, or other factors as determined in consultation with the depositor. The archivist will check for disclosure risk covered under rights management [26] and liaise with the depositor about how best to mitigate any risks identified. Data will also be checked for re-usability [36], including appropriate metadata and consistent mapping to supporting documentation such as data dictionaries or user guides. Proposed changes to the data are detailed in the ADA Processing Report sent to the data depositor or data custodian for approval prior to the changes being made. All agreed changes are recorded in the curation syntax as part of the Archival Information Package (AIP) [31].

==Review and Publication==

Once all agreed changes to the data and metadata have been made, the archivist will set up a preview on the Test Dataverse instance that reflects the intended final ‘published’ version of both the metadata and files. Once the data custodian/depositor has approved the preview, it is duplicated on the Production Dataverse instance using the ADAPT tool. Here the data is published, searchable, and available for access request. DDI metadata is always publicly accessible, as is all project documentation files (unless depositors have specified otherwise). Data access is typically restricted and can be downloaded subject to data access criteria [8], including at minimum an ADA account with a verified institutional email and sufficient responses to any “Guestbook” questions (subject to the ADA License Agreement and Terms of Access; see section Rights Management [26] for details). Access criteria are recorded on ADA’s internal wiki (not publicly available) for reference by access management staff.

Changes or updates to the data files of an already published deposit are handled via the above deposit and processing workflows. Changes are automatically version controlled in Dataverse. Major changes, that is a change to the data, result in a full versioning (i.e. Version 1.0 becomes Version 2.0), while a minor change such as the addition of metadata results in a sub-versioning (i.e. from Version 1.0 to Version 1.1).

==Preservation==

At publication, preservation versions of the DDI metadata are exported using the Dataverse export functionality in ADAPT. The metadata is stored in a preservation sub-directory with that deposit’s ADAID in the archive directory, along with a copy of the published SPSS data file(s) and SPSS syntax. The Preservation Plan [9] outlines how ADA manages long term preservation of data and metadata for reuse.

==Adjusting Workflows, Decision Handling, and Change Management==

The ADA Archive Team meets weekly with the ADA Director to discuss workflows and make decisions as required. Meetings follow an updated agenda, with outcomes and actions documented. Projects are managed in ADA GitHub or through ANU Microsoft SharePoint platforms.

=References =

[101] ADA website - depositing data - (https://ada.edu.au/depositing-data/)

[5] Deposit guidelines – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Quick_Deposit_Guide)

[22] Deposit Appraisal & Collection Policy - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Deposit_Appraisal_%26_Collection_Policy)

[94] ADA Deposit Dataverse - (https://deposit.ada.edu.au)

[6] ADAPT - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/ADAPT)

[37] Storage & Integrity - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Storage_%26_Integrity)

[93] Metadata guidelines for ADA Dataverse - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Metadata_guidelines_for_ADA_Dataverse)

[33] Quality Assurance - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Quality_Assurance)

[31] Provenance and authenticity - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Provenance_and_authenticity)

[102] Levels of curation - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Quick_Deposit_Guide#Levels_of_Curation)

[26] Rights Management - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Rights_Management)

[36] Reuse - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Reuse)

[31] Provenance and authenticity - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Provenance_and_authenticity)

[8] Setting Access conditions - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Setting_Access_Conditions)

[9] Preservation Plan – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Preservation_plan)

Preservation plan

2025-12-04T00:00:00Z

Mmcgale: /* Current Preservation Formats */

The plan covers data and metadata managed by the ADA for digital preservation and reuse, based on the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) Reference Model [42]. The plan outlines the scope, responsibilities, objectives, and actions for preserving data deposited with the ADA. It does not cover administrative data or other data related to the function of the ADA.

== Scope ==

ADA holds over 1,700 datasets and 13,000 data files dating from 1833 until the present day, available for reuse through the ADA Dataverse platform [10]. Most data are focussed within the social sciences as quantitative survey data, but ADA has published a small qualitative collection [43] through a funded project to develop support for archiving of qualitative data. Ongoing preservation of data is provided by the ADA for all data that it is authorised to share [26] and which is deemed suitable once approved at each step of the archival workflow [34], beginning with the deposit appraisal process [22].

== Responsibilities ==

ADA has been responsible for providing data archival and long-term preservation support since 1981 [25], growing over this time in response to the needs of its Designated Community. The ADA keeps pace with and meet user requirements within the technical and user landscape, with active participation through external engagement and memberships [30], in-kind collaborations, and funded projects [44]. ADA ensures data is preserved for future usability under the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-Usable) principles [45] supported through the implementation of FAIR in the Dataverse platform [62]. ADA is actively working towards the realisation of CARE (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics) principles [46] for Indigenous Data Governance, supporting for Indigenous lead projects and research [44], and developing CARE oriented archival practise.

== Objectives ==

Key objectives are (a) to ensure ADA has administrative, technical and archival processes in place that archive staff and the Designated Community can understand, and (b) to meet effective requirements for long-term preservation and management of data and metadata.

==Actions==

===Formal Migration, Bit Level Integrity & Obsolescence Planning===
ADA has no present requirement for format migration of data holdings due to the type of data deposited and reused by the Designated Community. ADA Archival Storage and Dataverse instances [103] are provisioned, hosted and backed up on National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) servers. NCI has procedures for monitoring bit level integrity against the deterioration of their storage media [37].

Obsolescence planning, bit level integrity, and storage migration is managed on behalf of ADA by the NCI [7].

===File Formats & Metadata Schemas For Long-Term Preservation===

The Archive’s collection policy [22] outlines preferred data formats suitable for depositing data, and for long-term preservation. Most archived data is tabular quantitative data, with a very small proportion of qualitative data. IBM SPSS [48] data is currently the most common format used by ADA’s Designated Community, so is at present the format used for long-term preservation.

===Current Preservation Formats===

- Quantitative. SPSS data (.sav), SPSS syntax (.sps) and the DDI JSON system fixity and metadata comprise the preservation package.

- Qualitative. ADA holds a small number of datasets with minimal long-term preservation support currently. Qualitative preservation processes are in development.

===Future Preservation Formats===

ADA has developed an R Preservation Tool [70] to export SPSS data currently preserved as .sav to an ASCII format readable by a text editor. The Tool will be available on ADA GitHub and will be available to the wider community when it is in production. The Preservation Tool exports the data in ASCII (.dat) format, extracts data file structure attributes from the .sav file, and exports the syntax in a format readable by a text editor (.sps). The inclusion of the data file attributes ensures the preservation data is readable by a text editor or can be run directly in SPSS to rebuild the .sav, or other tabular data file formats. Once implemented, ADA will process all preservation .sav data files to the new preservation format using the R Preservation Tool. The tool is successfully running on the ADA R Shiny server in test mode and ready for implementation.

===Metadata Schemas===

The Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) [18] metadata schema (DDI-Codebook 2.5) is the standard metadata schema to describe data collected and used by the Designated Community. DDI is implemented by the Dataverse application.

The ADA archival workflow [34] procedures ensure there is sufficient documentation collected for long-term usability and reuse [36]. DDI compatible metadata for each dataset is exported from Dataverse for preservation by archivists during the Ingest phase and Publish phase of the workflow. Metadata is copied to archival storage for preservation of the original (SIP) metadata and data files, and the published (DIP) metadata and data files, to ensure the integrity of digital objects from deposit to access can be verified against any changes to the data [37].

==Preservation Levels & Retention Periods==
The ADA applies a single standard of preservation and retention to all approved datasets. Datasets are preserved indefinitely, with deaccession occurring only under exceptional circumstances. Approval is managed through the ADA deposit appraisal process [22], continuing through the archival workflow [34].

==Preservation Measures==
Rights to preserve and disseminate data are primarily managed through the ADA License Agreement and associated Terms of Use [26]. Data users agree to abide by these conditions when they indicate their agreement with the Terms of Use upon requesting access to the data. Completion of the license is part of the deposit appraisal process [22] to ensure appropriate metadata is collected to support future reuse [36]. The signed and completed license agreement is stored and preserved along with the Archival Information Package (AIP).

==Reappraisal of Digital Objects==
Reappraisal of digital objects is driven by requirements in the Designated Community, or by technological or policy changes within or external to ADA. Changes to curation or preservation levels of digital objects are identified and managed through formal weekly archivist team meetings, including regular participation by the ADA Director, and the ADA Technical Manager as needed [34]. The formal structure of the weekly meetings ensures outcomes are considered from archival, organisational, and technical perspectives.

==Deleting Data & Metadata==
Data in the SIP or AIP stage of the archival workflow can be deleted by the ADA archivist team if directed by depositors, or for legal reasons, with the archiving team maintaining records relating to the request for deletion. Data in the DIP package cannot be deleted [37]. For data that have been published on ADA’s production Dataverse [10], ADA does not delete them but rather deaccessions them. This process results in the published collection being labelled as “Deaccessioned” in Dataverse and renders its files accessible only to ADA staff with permission levels equivalent to admin. There is no need to tombstone [4] the DOI as the dataset landing page is still available.

==References==
[42] Open Archival Information System (OAIS) Reference Model - (https://ccsds.org/publications/magentabooks/entry/3054/)

[10] ADA Production Dataverse - (https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/)

[43] Studies of Childhood, Education & Youth (SOCEY) – (https://www.socey.net/repository/)

[26] Rights Management - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Rights_Management)

[34] Workflows - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Workflows)

[22] Deposit Appraisal & Collection Policy - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Deposit_Appraisal_%26_Collection_Policy)

[25] Mission & Scope - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Mission_%26_Scope)

[30] Expertise & Guidance - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Expertise_%26_Guidance)

[44] ADA Projects – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/ADA_Projects)

[45] FAIR Principles – (https://ardc.edu.au/resource/fair-data/)[46] CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance – (https://ardc.edu.au/resource/the-care-principles/)

[62] Dataverse Project FAIR Principles - (https://www.academia.edu/86830912/Fair_Principles_and_Beyond_Implementation_in_Dataverse)

[46] CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance - (https://ardc.edu.au/resource/the-care-principles/)

[103] ADA Archival Workflow Diagram - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Main_Page#ADA_Archival_Workflow_Diagram)

[37] Storage & Integrity - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Storage_%26_Integrity)

[7] National Computational Infrastructure - (https://nci.org.au/)

[18] Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) - (https://ddialliance.org/)

[36] Reuse - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Reuse)

[4] Datacite Tombstones - (https://support.datacite.org/docs/tombstone-pages)

[37] Storage & Integrity – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Storage_%26_Integrity)[42] Open Archival Information System (OAIS) Reference Model – (https://public.ccsds.org/pubs/650x0m2.pdf)

[48] IBM SPSS – (https://www.ibm.com/spss)[62] Dataverse Project FAIR Principles – (https://scholar.harvard.edu/mercecrosas/presentations/fair-guiding-principles-implementation-dataverse)

[70] ADA Preservation Tool – (https://github.com/ADA-ANU/ADA_Preservation_tool)

Expertise & Guidance

2025-12-03T23:58:47Z

Mmcgale: /* References */

= Internal Resources =

ADA staff bring expertise in quantitative and qualitative data archiving, social science methodology, access management and user experience. ADA staff include experts in technology, digital security, software development and programming. Academic staff at ADA regularly publish in peer reviewed social science and digital humanities journals and are recognised experts in associated fields.

ADA is situated within POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research at ANU [17]. This arrangement provides ADA ready access to a range of academic experts in social policy research, methodology, and data governance in a range of relevant social science fields. ADA benefits from the advice and contribution of members of the POLIS scientific advisory board [66]. The board members include international and Australian leaders in survey research, with particular expertise in survey design, internet-based surveys, sampling error, and longitudinal research.

Recurrent funding from ANU has supported the continued operation of ADA since 1981 and provides sufficient resources to recruit and train appropriately skilled staff.

ADA maintains an internal wiki to capture and share resources among staff including training and onboarding content. ADA staff regularly undertake professional development including workshops and seminars, conference attendance, and auditing of courses in the POLIS curriculum.

All ADA staff meet weekly to discuss any data protection and access issues with the Director. The ANU Research Contracts Office and University Legal Office are available to advise ADA on contracts and intellectual property issues.

This combination of internal expertise and institutional support ensures the ADA can accommodate evolutions in data types, volumes, and rates. ADA regularly adopts and develops effective new technologies including digital tools for data processing and risk assessment, and data discovery and dissemination.

= External Engagement =

ADA actively engages with a range of networks, organisations, and activities that provide opportunities for exchanging professional expertise and industry guidance. Current engagements related to social science research infrastructure include:

- Project partner and work package lead on: The WorldFAIR Project [87]

- Member organisation with: World Data System (WDS) [88]

- Steering Group and Expert Group members for the: Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia Decadal plan for social science research infrastructure [89]

- The ADA host institution is a member organisation with: Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) [90]

- ADA staff are individual members of: International Association of Social Science Information Service and Technology (IASSIST) [91]

- Staff attend and teach into training programs at: Australian Consortium of Social and Political Research (ACSPRI) [20]

=References=

[17] The Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/)

[66] POLIS Scientific Advisory Board – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/people/advisory-board)

[87] The WorldFAIR Project - (https://worldfair-project.eu/)

[88] World Data System (WDS) - (https://worlddatasystem.org/)

[89] Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia - (https://socialsciences.org.au/news/decadal-plan-for-social-science-research-infrastructure-launches)

[90] Australian Research Data Commons - (https://ardc.edu.au/)

[91] International Association of Social Science Information Service and Technology (IASSIST) - (http://www.iassistdata.org/)

[20] Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc. (ACSPRI) - (https://www.acspri.org.au/)

Expertise & Guidance

2025-12-03T23:58:25Z

Mmcgale: /* EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT */

= Internal Resources =

ADA staff bring expertise in quantitative and qualitative data archiving, social science methodology, access management and user experience. ADA staff include experts in technology, digital security, software development and programming. Academic staff at ADA regularly publish in peer reviewed social science and digital humanities journals and are recognised experts in associated fields.

ADA is situated within POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research at ANU [17]. This arrangement provides ADA ready access to a range of academic experts in social policy research, methodology, and data governance in a range of relevant social science fields. ADA benefits from the advice and contribution of members of the POLIS scientific advisory board [66]. The board members include international and Australian leaders in survey research, with particular expertise in survey design, internet-based surveys, sampling error, and longitudinal research.

Recurrent funding from ANU has supported the continued operation of ADA since 1981 and provides sufficient resources to recruit and train appropriately skilled staff.

ADA maintains an internal wiki to capture and share resources among staff including training and onboarding content. ADA staff regularly undertake professional development including workshops and seminars, conference attendance, and auditing of courses in the POLIS curriculum.

All ADA staff meet weekly to discuss any data protection and access issues with the Director. The ANU Research Contracts Office and University Legal Office are available to advise ADA on contracts and intellectual property issues.

This combination of internal expertise and institutional support ensures the ADA can accommodate evolutions in data types, volumes, and rates. ADA regularly adopts and develops effective new technologies including digital tools for data processing and risk assessment, and data discovery and dissemination.

= External Engagement =

ADA actively engages with a range of networks, organisations, and activities that provide opportunities for exchanging professional expertise and industry guidance. Current engagements related to social science research infrastructure include:

- Project partner and work package lead on: The WorldFAIR Project [87]

- Member organisation with: World Data System (WDS) [88]

- Steering Group and Expert Group members for the: Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia Decadal plan for social science research infrastructure [89]

- The ADA host institution is a member organisation with: Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) [90]

- ADA staff are individual members of: International Association of Social Science Information Service and Technology (IASSIST) [91]

- Staff attend and teach into training programs at: Australian Consortium of Social and Political Research (ACSPRI) [20]

==References==
[17] The Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/)

[66] POLIS Scientific Advisory Board – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/people/advisory-board)

[87] The WorldFAIR Project - (https://worldfair-project.eu/)

[88] World Data System (WDS) - (https://worlddatasystem.org/)

[89] Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia - (https://socialsciences.org.au/news/decadal-plan-for-social-science-research-infrastructure-launches)

[90] Australian Research Data Commons - (https://ardc.edu.au/)

[91] International Association of Social Science Information Service and Technology (IASSIST) - (http://www.iassistdata.org/)

[20] Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc. (ACSPRI) - (https://www.acspri.org.au/)

Expertise & Guidance

2025-12-03T23:57:55Z

Mmcgale: /* INTERNAL RESOURCES */

= Internal Resources =

ADA staff bring expertise in quantitative and qualitative data archiving, social science methodology, access management and user experience. ADA staff include experts in technology, digital security, software development and programming. Academic staff at ADA regularly publish in peer reviewed social science and digital humanities journals and are recognised experts in associated fields.

ADA is situated within POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research at ANU [17]. This arrangement provides ADA ready access to a range of academic experts in social policy research, methodology, and data governance in a range of relevant social science fields. ADA benefits from the advice and contribution of members of the POLIS scientific advisory board [66]. The board members include international and Australian leaders in survey research, with particular expertise in survey design, internet-based surveys, sampling error, and longitudinal research.

Recurrent funding from ANU has supported the continued operation of ADA since 1981 and provides sufficient resources to recruit and train appropriately skilled staff.

ADA maintains an internal wiki to capture and share resources among staff including training and onboarding content. ADA staff regularly undertake professional development including workshops and seminars, conference attendance, and auditing of courses in the POLIS curriculum.

All ADA staff meet weekly to discuss any data protection and access issues with the Director. The ANU Research Contracts Office and University Legal Office are available to advise ADA on contracts and intellectual property issues.

This combination of internal expertise and institutional support ensures the ADA can accommodate evolutions in data types, volumes, and rates. ADA regularly adopts and develops effective new technologies including digital tools for data processing and risk assessment, and data discovery and dissemination.

== EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT ==

ADA actively engages with a range of networks, organisations, and activities that provide opportunities for exchanging professional expertise and industry guidance. Current engagements related to social science research infrastructure include:

- Project partner and work package lead on: The WorldFAIR Project [87]

- Member organisation with: World Data System (WDS) [88]

- Steering Group and Expert Group members for the: Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia Decadal plan for social science research infrastructure [89]

- The ADA host institution is a member organisation with: Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) [90]

- ADA staff are individual members of: International Association of Social Science Information Service and Technology (IASSIST) [91]

- Staff attend and teach into training programs at: Australian Consortium of Social and Political Research (ACSPRI) [20]

==References==
[17] The Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/)

[66] POLIS Scientific Advisory Board – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/people/advisory-board)

[87] The WorldFAIR Project - (https://worldfair-project.eu/)

[88] World Data System (WDS) - (https://worlddatasystem.org/)

[89] Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia - (https://socialsciences.org.au/news/decadal-plan-for-social-science-research-infrastructure-launches)

[90] Australian Research Data Commons - (https://ardc.edu.au/)

[91] International Association of Social Science Information Service and Technology (IASSIST) - (http://www.iassistdata.org/)

[20] Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc. (ACSPRI) - (https://www.acspri.org.au/)

Governance & Resources

2025-12-03T23:57:11Z

Mmcgale: /* Organisation of the ADA */

= Organisation of the ADA =

The ADA staff comprises 6 staff members at time of submission, with a total of 5.86 FTE:

- Director

- Technical Manager

- Archive Manager

- Software developer

- Senior data access officer

- Data archivist

ADA staff are organised into three groups within the archive – Data Access, Data Archiving, and Technical.

The ADA Director reports to the Program Leader: Data analytics and evaluation within POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research [17] at The Australian National University (ANU). POLIS is part of the Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) in the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences. ADA operates within this structure and is governed by the ANU Policy on Centres and Institutes [41].

Additional IT functions are provided to ADA by two external partners:

The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) [7] is Australia’s preeminent computing facility, delivering on the critical national need for high-performance data, storage, and computing services. NCI provides compute, storage and network infrastructure for the ADA, and is supported by a team of over 70 staff, funded through Australia’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) [67].

The Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Incorporated (ACSPRI) [20] provides development operations support for the ADA on a contractual basis. ACSPRI and ADA have a long-term collaboration dating back to the establishment of both organisations in 1981.

= Operational Costs and Recruitment =

The ADA is funded on an ongoing basis by the Australian National University (ANU), primarily through the National Institutes Grant [68] provided directly to the ANU by the Australian Federal Government. This funding has been supporting ANU since its establishment in 1981. This core funding is supplemented by project grant funding from a variety of sources. In the last 10 years, this has included funding through the Australian Research Council, Australian Research Data Commons, Horizon Europe (European Commission) and contract research with government agencies and other external partners.

= Recognised Host Institution =

The Australian National University was established in 1946 through an Act of the Australian Federal Government and continues to be governed by the parliament under the auspices of the Australian National University Act 1991 and the Public Governance, Performance & Accountability Act 2013 [69]. The Australian Data Archive was established within the Research School of Social Sciences in 1981 and has continued to be part of the RSSS since its establishment.

Staffing and infrastructure support for the ADA has enabled the operation of the archive for over 40 years. The continuing operations of the archive will focus on including a breadth of funding sources to supplement the ANU core funding, and use of outsourcing partners to support core archive staff to provide relevant operational functions. As ADA’s budget is part of the overall ANU corporate budget, there is no separate documentation of the ADA’s budget that can be provided. However, while no funding is certain, we expect this strategy to continue providing a sound basis for ADA operations into the foreseeable future.

=References=

[69] ANU Governance – (https://www.anu.edu.au/about/governance)

[17] The Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/)

[7] National Computational Infrastructure – (https://nci.org.au/)

[67] National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) – (https://www.education.gov.au/ncris)

[68] ANU National Institutes Grant policy – (https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_018016)

[41] ANU Policy on Centres and Institutes – (https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_012009)

[20] Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc. (ACSPRI) - (https://www.acspri.org.au/)

Governance & Resources

2025-12-03T23:55:58Z

Mmcgale: /* RECOGNISED HOST INSTITUTION */

Governance & Resources

2025-12-03T23:54:55Z

Mmcgale: /* OPERATIONAL COSTS AND RECRUITMENT */

= Organisation of the ADA =

The ADA staff comprises 6 staff members at time of submission, with a total of 5.86 FTE:

- Director

- Technical Manager

- Archive Manager

- Software developer

- Senior data access officer

- Data archivist

ADA staff are organised into three groups within the archive – Data Access, Data Archiving, and Technical.

The ADA Director reports to the Program Leader: Data analytics and evaluation within POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research [17] at The Australian National University (ANU). POLIS is part of the Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) in the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences. ADA operates within this structure and is governed by the ANU Policy on Centres and Institutes [41].

Additional IT functions are provided to ADA by two external partners:

The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) [7] is Australia’s preeminent computing facility, delivering on the critical national need for high-performance data, storage, and computing services. NCI provides compute, storage and network infrastructure for the ADA, and is supported by a team of over 70 staff, funded through Australia’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) [67].

The Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Incorporated (ACSPRI) [20] provides development operations support for the ADA on a contractual basis. ACSPRI and ADA have a long-term collaboration dating back to the establishment of both organisations in 1981.

= Operational Costs and Recruitment =

The ADA is funded on an ongoing basis by the Australian National University (ANU), primarily through the National Institutes Grant [68] provided directly to the ANU by the Australian Federal Government. This funding has been supporting ANU since its establishment in 1981. This core funding is supplemented by project grant funding from a variety of sources. In the last 10 years, this has included funding through the Australian Research Council, Australian Research Data Commons, Horizon Europe (European Commission) and contract research with government agencies and other external partners.

== RECOGNISED HOST INSTITUTION ==

The Australian National University was established in 1946 through an Act of the Australian Federal Government and continues to be governed by the parliament under the auspices of the Australian National University Act 1991 and the Public Governance, Performance & Accountability Act 2013 [69]. The Australian Data Archive was established within the Research School of Social Sciences in 1981 and has continued to be part of the RSSS since its establishment.

Staffing and infrastructure support for the ADA has enabled the operation of the archive for over 40 years. The continuing operations of the archive will focus on including a breadth of funding sources to supplement the ANU core funding, and use of outsourcing partners to support core archive staff to provide relevant operational functions. As ADA’s budget is part of the overall ANU corporate budget, there is no separate documentation of the ADA’s budget that can be provided. However, while no funding is certain, we expect this strategy to continue providing a sound basis for ADA operations into the foreseeable future.

=References=

[69] ANU Governance – (https://www.anu.edu.au/about/governance)

[17] The Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/)

[7] National Computational Infrastructure – (https://nci.org.au/)

[67] National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) – (https://www.education.gov.au/ncris)

[68] ANU National Institutes Grant policy – (https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_018016)

[41] ANU Policy on Centres and Institutes – (https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_012009)

[20] Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc. (ACSPRI) - (https://www.acspri.org.au/)

Legal & Ethical

2025-12-03T23:54:00Z

Mmcgale:

= Legal Standards =

The relevant legal standard in Australia for the creation, curation, preservation, and access of data is The Privacy Act 1988 [63], the principle Australian Government legislation protecting the handling and disclosure of individuals’ personal information.

= Management of Disclosure Risk =

All data are evaluated by an ADA archivist to determine disclosure risks and appropriate actions that should be taken to mitigate that risk. To comply with the Privacy Act, archivists first ensure that no directly identifying information (such as participant names and contact details) are included in the data and will remove any such information from all copies of the data files held and disseminated by the ADA. The archivists will also examine the data for indirect identifying information and evaluate risks of disclosure that might arise from combining that information and/or linking that data with other sensitive information in data or other sources.

There are a range of mitigation actions that archivists can recommend to depositors as detailed in the section covering Deposit and Appraisal [22]. The ADA will typically make these changes to the data on behalf of the depositor.

Risk assessment tools are currently in use and in development at the ADA. See sections Quality Assurance [33] and Workflows [34] for details about these tools and their application in the data deposit and appraisal workflows.

The ADA encourages depositors to consult external guidelines [28] for managing disclosure risk. These resources are intended to provide context to the risk mitigation strategies recommended by the ADA archivist, and as a reference for prospective depositors to assist them in making decisions about deidentifying their data prior to submission or in consultation with the ADA.

= Ethical Standards =

The depositor is responsible for ensuring that data provided to the ADA has been collected from research participants subject to approved research ethics requirements. The ADA does not explicitly request or require evidence of ethical approval or review prior to deposit and the depositor must determine if their ethical obligations permit sharing of data.

ADA’s ethical governance aligns with the FAIR and CARE Principles, ensuring that data sharing supports both openness and Indigenous rights in accordance with Australia’s national ethics codes.

Australian researchers working with human participants and based at organisations that receive National Health and Medical Research Council (NHRMC) public research funding are subject to NHMRC National Statement on the Ethical Conduct of Research [64], and the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research (ACRCR) [65]. For research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Communities, researchers must consult and apply NHMRC’s Ethical Conduct in Research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities: Guidelines for Researchers and Stakeholders (2018) and Keeping Research on Track II (2018), and the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (2020) and A Guide to Applying The AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (2020), produced by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) [75]. ADA acknowledges and supports the CARE Principles outlined in these guidelines [46].

ADA has been contributing to various projects working towards Indigenous Data Sovereignty [80], Indigenous Metadata development [79], and an ongoing project managed by Harvard Dataverse Project to integrate Local Contexts [78] tools to support Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and Indigenous Data Sovereignty. See ADA Projects & Collaborations [81].

The ADA does occasionally accept deposits from organisations that are not governed by the NHMRC guidelines. In these instances, the ADA will work with the depositor to understand their consent process and determine appropriate access conditions if the data is deemed suitable for publication. The ADA License Agreement and Terms of Use specify appropriate uses of the data that comply with the original ethics approval. See section on Rights Management [26].

The ADA also complies with ethical norms for data sharing as described in the Five Safes Framework [96]. As described above, procedures for identifying and mitigating disclosure risk are in place to ensure data is sufficiently safe for secondary use. The ADA also evaluates requests for data access against the four remaining risk aspects of the framework to ensure that the people making the request, their projects, settings, and outputs are also sufficiently safe.

=References=

[33] Quality Assurance – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Quality_Assurance)

[34] Workflows – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Workflows)

[26] Rights Management – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Rights_Management)

[63] The Privacy Act, 1988 – (https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-legislation/the-privacy-act)

[28] Legal & Ethical – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Legal_%26_Ethical)

[64] NHMRC National Statement on the Ethical Conduct of Research – (https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/research-policy/ethics/national-statement-ethical-conduct-human-research)

[65] Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research – (https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-code-responsible-conduct-research-2018)

[22] Deposit Appraisal & Collection Policy - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Deposit_Appraisal_%26_Collection_Policy)

[75] AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research - (https://aiatsis.gov.au/research/ethical-research/code-ethics)

[46] CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance - (https://ardc.edu.au/resource/the-care-principles/)

[80] Social Indicators and Data Governance to Support Local Decision Making in the Groote Archipelago - (https://anindilyakwa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Social-Indicators-and-Data-Governance-to-Support-Local-Decision-Making-in-the-Groote-Archipelago.pdf)

[79] Indigenous Metadata Bundle Communique - (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.24353743.v1)

[78] Local Contexts - (https://localcontexts.org/)

[81] ADA Projects & Collaborations - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/ADA_Projects#ADA_Projects_and_Project_Collaborations)

[96] 5 Safes - (https://fivesafes.org/)

Rights Management

2025-12-03T23:50:42Z

Mmcgale: /* References */

= Rights Management at ADA =

= General Approach =

Rights are primarily managed through an ADA Licence Agreement and the associated ADA Licence Terms and Conditions of Use and ADA Licence Access Guestbook. Using the ADA Licence Agreement, data depositors provide ADA the right to disseminate their data and other materials under specified conditions. Data users agree to abide by these conditions when they indicate their agreement with the Terms of Use upon requesting access to the data.

ADA aims to make data as accessible as possible with transparent and minimal access criteria. ADA balances accessibility with preserving the intellectual property rights of data depositors by collecting and reviewing sufficient information from data users before approving access.

= Deposit Licences =

When a deposit is received by the ADA, the depositor must complete and sign a Licence Agreement, covering:

- The provision of a non-exclusive licence for the ADA to publish the data and other materials for further analysis and the publication of the results of such analysis, subject to any stated conditions.

-The assertion that access can be granted by the ADA only to persons deemed to comply with the agreed access conditions. Access conditions are outlined for users on the ADA website [100].

There are several access categories that can be selected to govern the data dissemination; however, where these categories do not meet the depositor’s requirements, customised access conditions may be devised with ADA.

Standard Access Conditions [100]:

::* OPEN ACCESS: studies where there are no restrictions on access

::* GENERAL ACCESS: studies with controlled data access managed by the ADA on behalf of the depositor

::*RESTRICTED ACCESS: studies where the depositor, or an authorised representative, wishes to be informed by the Archive of each request to use the data in order to give or withhold permission.

::*SPECIAL ACCESS: studies where the depositor has included additional special access conditions.

The ADA meets with depositors to ensure both parties can comply with the licence agreement. ADA also provides a comprehensive report detailing any changes required to meet the agreed data access conditions and to comply with Australian privacy legislation.

= Terms of Use =

Depositors are provided two supplementary forms – Licence Terms and Conditions of Use, and Licence Access Guestbook – that include the standard ADA terms and conditions of use and the standard information that prospective data users are required to provide, respectively. These can be modified as required by depositors.

Standard terms of use include:

- Use of data is for analytical purposes only

- Outputs must include acknowledgement of data depositor and ADA

- Notify ADA of any non-compliance

Terms and conditions of use are published alongside the data and materials. Users must explicitly agree to these terms to complete their access request. Users must also complete the guestbook with required personal and project details. The ADA evaluates these responses against the established access conditions before providing access. If sufficient information is not provided by the data applicant, then ADA access management staff will request additional information for either ADA to decide on behalf of the data custodian, or for the data custodian to decide whether access is granted. Access requests are declined if the user is unable to comply.

Open-access terms can be set for non-sensitive data by applying a Creative Commons Licence.

= References=
[100] ADA website - accessing data - https://ada.edu.au/accessing-data/

Rights Management

2025-12-03T23:50:17Z

Mmcgale: /* Deposit Licences */

= Rights Management at ADA =

= General Approach =

Rights are primarily managed through an ADA Licence Agreement and the associated ADA Licence Terms and Conditions of Use and ADA Licence Access Guestbook. Using the ADA Licence Agreement, data depositors provide ADA the right to disseminate their data and other materials under specified conditions. Data users agree to abide by these conditions when they indicate their agreement with the Terms of Use upon requesting access to the data.

ADA aims to make data as accessible as possible with transparent and minimal access criteria. ADA balances accessibility with preserving the intellectual property rights of data depositors by collecting and reviewing sufficient information from data users before approving access.

= Deposit Licences =

When a deposit is received by the ADA, the depositor must complete and sign a Licence Agreement, covering:

- The provision of a non-exclusive licence for the ADA to publish the data and other materials for further analysis and the publication of the results of such analysis, subject to any stated conditions.

-The assertion that access can be granted by the ADA only to persons deemed to comply with the agreed access conditions. Access conditions are outlined for users on the ADA website [100].

There are several access categories that can be selected to govern the data dissemination; however, where these categories do not meet the depositor’s requirements, customised access conditions may be devised with ADA.

Standard Access Conditions [100]:

::* OPEN ACCESS: studies where there are no restrictions on access

::* GENERAL ACCESS: studies with controlled data access managed by the ADA on behalf of the depositor

::*RESTRICTED ACCESS: studies where the depositor, or an authorised representative, wishes to be informed by the Archive of each request to use the data in order to give or withhold permission.

::*SPECIAL ACCESS: studies where the depositor has included additional special access conditions.

The ADA meets with depositors to ensure both parties can comply with the licence agreement. ADA also provides a comprehensive report detailing any changes required to meet the agreed data access conditions and to comply with Australian privacy legislation.

= Terms of Use =

Depositors are provided two supplementary forms – Licence Terms and Conditions of Use, and Licence Access Guestbook – that include the standard ADA terms and conditions of use and the standard information that prospective data users are required to provide, respectively. These can be modified as required by depositors.

Standard terms of use include:

- Use of data is for analytical purposes only

- Outputs must include acknowledgement of data depositor and ADA

- Notify ADA of any non-compliance

Terms and conditions of use are published alongside the data and materials. Users must explicitly agree to these terms to complete their access request. Users must also complete the guestbook with required personal and project details. The ADA evaluates these responses against the established access conditions before providing access. If sufficient information is not provided by the data applicant, then ADA access management staff will request additional information for either ADA to decide on behalf of the data custodian, or for the data custodian to decide whether access is granted. Access requests are declined if the user is unable to comply.

Open-access terms can be set for non-sensitive data by applying a Creative Commons Licence.

== References==
[100] ADA website - accessing data - https://ada.edu.au/accessing-data/

Rights Management

2025-12-03T23:49:45Z

Mmcgale: /* TERMS OF USE */

= Rights Management at ADA =

= General Approach =

Rights are primarily managed through an ADA Licence Agreement and the associated ADA Licence Terms and Conditions of Use and ADA Licence Access Guestbook. Using the ADA Licence Agreement, data depositors provide ADA the right to disseminate their data and other materials under specified conditions. Data users agree to abide by these conditions when they indicate their agreement with the Terms of Use upon requesting access to the data.

ADA aims to make data as accessible as possible with transparent and minimal access criteria. ADA balances accessibility with preserving the intellectual property rights of data depositors by collecting and reviewing sufficient information from data users before approving access.

== Deposit Licences ==

When a deposit is received by the ADA, the depositor must complete and sign a Licence Agreement, covering:

- The provision of a non-exclusive licence for the ADA to publish the data and other materials for further analysis and the publication of the results of such analysis, subject to any stated conditions.

-The assertion that access can be granted by the ADA only to persons deemed to comply with the agreed access conditions. Access conditions are outlined for users on the ADA website [100].

There are several access categories that can be selected to govern the data dissemination; however, where these categories do not meet the depositor’s requirements, customised access conditions may be devised with ADA.

Standard Access Conditions [100]:

::* OPEN ACCESS: studies where there are no restrictions on access

::* GENERAL ACCESS: studies with controlled data access managed by the ADA on behalf of the depositor

::*RESTRICTED ACCESS: studies where the depositor, or an authorised representative, wishes to be informed by the Archive of each request to use the data in order to give or withhold permission.

::*SPECIAL ACCESS: studies where the depositor has included additional special access conditions.

The ADA meets with depositors to ensure both parties can comply with the licence agreement. ADA also provides a comprehensive report detailing any changes required to meet the agreed data access conditions and to comply with Australian privacy legislation.

= Terms of Use =

Depositors are provided two supplementary forms – Licence Terms and Conditions of Use, and Licence Access Guestbook – that include the standard ADA terms and conditions of use and the standard information that prospective data users are required to provide, respectively. These can be modified as required by depositors.

Standard terms of use include:

- Use of data is for analytical purposes only

- Outputs must include acknowledgement of data depositor and ADA

- Notify ADA of any non-compliance

Terms and conditions of use are published alongside the data and materials. Users must explicitly agree to these terms to complete their access request. Users must also complete the guestbook with required personal and project details. The ADA evaluates these responses against the established access conditions before providing access. If sufficient information is not provided by the data applicant, then ADA access management staff will request additional information for either ADA to decide on behalf of the data custodian, or for the data custodian to decide whether access is granted. Access requests are declined if the user is unable to comply.

Open-access terms can be set for non-sensitive data by applying a Creative Commons Licence.

== References==
[100] ADA website - accessing data - https://ada.edu.au/accessing-data/

Rights Management

2025-12-03T23:49:24Z

Mmcgale: /* DEPOSIT LICENCES */

= Rights Management at ADA =

= General Approach =

Rights are primarily managed through an ADA Licence Agreement and the associated ADA Licence Terms and Conditions of Use and ADA Licence Access Guestbook. Using the ADA Licence Agreement, data depositors provide ADA the right to disseminate their data and other materials under specified conditions. Data users agree to abide by these conditions when they indicate their agreement with the Terms of Use upon requesting access to the data.

ADA aims to make data as accessible as possible with transparent and minimal access criteria. ADA balances accessibility with preserving the intellectual property rights of data depositors by collecting and reviewing sufficient information from data users before approving access.

== Deposit Licences ==

When a deposit is received by the ADA, the depositor must complete and sign a Licence Agreement, covering:

- The provision of a non-exclusive licence for the ADA to publish the data and other materials for further analysis and the publication of the results of such analysis, subject to any stated conditions.

-The assertion that access can be granted by the ADA only to persons deemed to comply with the agreed access conditions. Access conditions are outlined for users on the ADA website [100].

There are several access categories that can be selected to govern the data dissemination; however, where these categories do not meet the depositor’s requirements, customised access conditions may be devised with ADA.

Standard Access Conditions [100]:

::* OPEN ACCESS: studies where there are no restrictions on access

::* GENERAL ACCESS: studies with controlled data access managed by the ADA on behalf of the depositor

::*RESTRICTED ACCESS: studies where the depositor, or an authorised representative, wishes to be informed by the Archive of each request to use the data in order to give or withhold permission.

::*SPECIAL ACCESS: studies where the depositor has included additional special access conditions.

The ADA meets with depositors to ensure both parties can comply with the licence agreement. ADA also provides a comprehensive report detailing any changes required to meet the agreed data access conditions and to comply with Australian privacy legislation.

== TERMS OF USE ==

Depositors are provided two supplementary forms – Licence Terms and Conditions of Use, and Licence Access Guestbook – that include the standard ADA terms and conditions of use and the standard information that prospective data users are required to provide, respectively. These can be modified as required by depositors.

Standard terms of use include:

- Use of data is for analytical purposes only

- Outputs must include acknowledgement of data depositor and ADA

- Notify ADA of any non-compliance

Terms and conditions of use are published alongside the data and materials. Users must explicitly agree to these terms to complete their access request. Users must also complete the guestbook with required personal and project details. The ADA evaluates these responses against the established access conditions before providing access. If sufficient information is not provided by the data applicant, then ADA access management staff will request additional information for either ADA to decide on behalf of the data custodian, or for the data custodian to decide whether access is granted. Access requests are declined if the user is unable to comply.

Open-access terms can be set for non-sensitive data by applying a Creative Commons Licence.

== References==
[100] ADA website - accessing data - https://ada.edu.au/accessing-data/

Rights Management

2025-12-03T23:48:59Z

Mmcgale: /* GENERAL APPROACH */

= Rights Management at ADA =

= General Approach =

Rights are primarily managed through an ADA Licence Agreement and the associated ADA Licence Terms and Conditions of Use and ADA Licence Access Guestbook. Using the ADA Licence Agreement, data depositors provide ADA the right to disseminate their data and other materials under specified conditions. Data users agree to abide by these conditions when they indicate their agreement with the Terms of Use upon requesting access to the data.

ADA aims to make data as accessible as possible with transparent and minimal access criteria. ADA balances accessibility with preserving the intellectual property rights of data depositors by collecting and reviewing sufficient information from data users before approving access.

== DEPOSIT LICENCES ==

When a deposit is received by the ADA, the depositor must complete and sign a Licence Agreement, covering:

- The provision of a non-exclusive licence for the ADA to publish the data and other materials for further analysis and the publication of the results of such analysis, subject to any stated conditions.

-The assertion that access can be granted by the ADA only to persons deemed to comply with the agreed access conditions. Access conditions are outlined for users on the ADA website [100].

There are several access categories that can be selected to govern the data dissemination; however, where these categories do not meet the depositor’s requirements, customised access conditions may be devised with ADA.

Standard Access Conditions [100]:

::* OPEN ACCESS: studies where there are no restrictions on access

::* GENERAL ACCESS: studies with controlled data access managed by the ADA on behalf of the depositor

::*RESTRICTED ACCESS: studies where the depositor, or an authorised representative, wishes to be informed by the Archive of each request to use the data in order to give or withhold permission.

::*SPECIAL ACCESS: studies where the depositor has included additional special access conditions.

The ADA meets with depositors to ensure both parties can comply with the licence agreement. ADA also provides a comprehensive report detailing any changes required to meet the agreed data access conditions and to comply with Australian privacy legislation.

== TERMS OF USE ==

Depositors are provided two supplementary forms – Licence Terms and Conditions of Use, and Licence Access Guestbook – that include the standard ADA terms and conditions of use and the standard information that prospective data users are required to provide, respectively. These can be modified as required by depositors.

Standard terms of use include:

- Use of data is for analytical purposes only

- Outputs must include acknowledgement of data depositor and ADA

- Notify ADA of any non-compliance

Terms and conditions of use are published alongside the data and materials. Users must explicitly agree to these terms to complete their access request. Users must also complete the guestbook with required personal and project details. The ADA evaluates these responses against the established access conditions before providing access. If sufficient information is not provided by the data applicant, then ADA access management staff will request additional information for either ADA to decide on behalf of the data custodian, or for the data custodian to decide whether access is granted. Access requests are declined if the user is unable to comply.

Open-access terms can be set for non-sensitive data by applying a Creative Commons Licence.

== References==
[100] ADA website - accessing data - https://ada.edu.au/accessing-data/

Background Information and Context

2025-12-03T23:47:42Z

Mmcgale:

== Identifier information ==

* Re3data Identifier: https://www.re3data.org/repository/r3d100010138
* [https://ror.org/ ROR] identifier: https://ror.org/00qtfgg81
* RRID:SCR_014706
* [https://fairsharing.org/ FAIRsharing] DOI: [https://doi.org/10.25504/FAIRsharing.sN8d9i 10.25504/FAIRsharing.sN8d9i]

== Repository type ==

'''Specialist repository'''

== Overview ==

The Australian Data Archive (ADA) provides a national service for the collection and preservation of digital research data and to make these data available for secondary analysis by academic researchers and other users. The archive is based in POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research (formerly the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods; CSRM) at the Australian National University (ANU). Along with Australian data, ADA is also a repository for studies conducted in other countries, particularly throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The ADA:

- Has a team of professional data archivists, advised by a panel of leading social scientists, providing both stewardship and outreach services to the Australian research community.

- Acquires, documents, preserves, and disseminates data online to a broad range of social science researchers in the university, government, and other sectors.

- Provides the only comprehensive social science data collection in Australia, with a catalogue of data files from over 1700 projects dating back to 1833 through to the present day.

- Holds data from Australian surveys, opinion polls and censuses and includes data from other countries within the Asia Pacific region. The ADA data catalogue includes studies from countries other than Australia including New Zealand, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China and Indonesia.

- Provides specialist services:

:::ADA offers comprehensive services that support secure reuse of research data:

::::* Technical liaison and platform integration – design, deployment, and ongoing support for digital research infrastructure. For example, ADA hosts CADRE (Coordinated Access for Data, Researchers and Environments, cadre.ada.edu.au), a shared, distributed platform for managing access to sensitive data.

::::* Archival workflows and risk assessment – end-to-end ingest, curation, and preservation pipelines, underpinned by ADAPT (Archival Data Processing Tool) and CARAT (Curation and Risk Assessment Tool) for systematic privacy risk evaluation and documentation. ADAPT and CARAT are currently internal tools and only accessible to ADA staff.

::::* Metadata and documentation guidance – hands-on support in applying DDI schema; creation of machine-actionable metadata, data dictionaries, and codebooks to ensure FAIR compliance and long-term discoverability.

::::* Data harmonisation and integration – bespoke tools and services (in development) that facilitate variable mapping and cross-study alignment, enabling cumulative files and comparative analyses.

::::* Policy, licensing, and access management – development of governance frameworks, licence models, and service-desk workflows to streamline controlled access for sensitive data.

- Provides subject-matter and data-type expertise:

:::The available research expertise across both ADA and POLIS includes specific disciplinary knowledge in political science, public opinion, criminology and justice, Indigenous and First Nations research, social policy, and population health. Methodologically, ADA handles a wide range of data types, including quantitative survey microdata, qualitative and mixed-methods materials, longitudinal and panel datasets, administrative time-series, and historical statistical series, ensuring that each collection can receive tailored curation and access solutions.

- Belongs to international organisations (such as the International Federation of Data Organizations (IFDO) and the International Association of Social Science Information Service and Technology (IASSIST) and plays a major role in cross-national collaborative projects.

== Designated Community ==

The ADA provides services to a wide variety of public, commercial and academic users in research, government and other sectors as designated communities. These communities are naturally reflected in the archive’s holdings. The largest group of users in the designated community is the academic cohort, consisting of students and academic researchers.

ADA is a specialist data repository focused on the social sciences. ADA defines this specialisation broadly, however, and can accept data from a wide range of related disciplines including humanities, arts, health, business and economics. It provides expert support across disciplines such as political science, criminology, Indigenous studies and related fields. A wide range of data types are supported, including quantitative, qualitative, longitudinal, time series and panel data, as well as historical statistics.

ADA serves a range of sectors, including public, commercial, and government sectors. However, its primary user base is the academic community—comprising students and researchers—whose research needs are closely aligned with the archive’s social science specialisation.

== Level of Curation ==

Level of Curation Performed:

A. Content distributed as deposited

B. Basic curation – e.g., brief checking, addition of basic metadata or documentation

C. Enhanced curation – e.g., conversion to new formats, enhancement of documentation

D. Data-level curation – as in C above, but with additional editing of deposited data for accuracy

ADA applies a tiered curation model. All deposits receive at least Basic curation (B) to ensure confidentiality, accessibility, and sufficient documentation. We escalate to Enhanced curation (C) and to Data-level curation (D) where a dataset requires format conversion, documentation enhancement, or direct data edits to improve privacy or usability. In limited cases, content is distributed as deposited (A) when materials already meet ADA privacy and quality thresholds.

In consultation with the data custodian/ data depositor, the ADA archivist will make changes to the data ranging from edits, such as spelling corrections and label shortening, to aggregation and restricting of variables as required.

Depending on the data, Level C and D curation may include conversion of submitted materials to new file formats, including the creation of data files with subsets of the originally submitted data. It is possible for some sensitive datasets to have Non-Sensitive releasable sub-sets or versions. Where required, these are managed using different access strategies outlined in the ADA Data License agreement. Enhancement of documentation and metadata is also routinely undertaken by the ADA and can include generating original documentation such as data dictionaries.

== Cooperation and outsourcing to third parties, partners and host organisations ==

=== The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) ===

The NCI provide and house the platforms that the ADA use to deliver its service as well as providing storage locations for the long-term preservation of ADA data. The NCI is also managed by The ADA’s host institution, The Australian National University (ANU) with governance provided by the NCI Board, within the limits of the Statutes and Policies of the University. The NCI operates the fastest file systems in the Southern Hemisphere and is the nation’s most highly integrated, high performance research computing environment. Further information regarding the NCI Storage Systems can be found at http://nci.org.au/our-systems/storage-systems.

The NCI maintain VMWare and VM’s which run the ADA Dataverse servers and provide professional support via their helpdesk facility. ADA staff also have access to the NCI managed RDS; providing additional security when working remotely (for example during the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021).

The ADA collection is supported at NCI as a registered project and is supported under the ANU’s merit allocation. The ADA collection is therefore subject to the same mandates as all other NCI project scheme storage agreements as detailed at http://nci.org.au/users/nci-terms-and-conditions-access. The ADA agree to terms and conditions specified by NCI to use their services such as personal security around logins, user behaviour and other areas.

=== The Australian Consortium for Social & Political Research Inc (ACSPRI) ===

The ADA have an ‘as required’ contractual arrangement with ACSPRI to install, maintain, and support ADA software including the various ADA Dataverse applications, Metabase, and OSTicket task management and tracking application. The support also extends to the recovery of applications in the event of a loss of data.

Reuse

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Reuse

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=Engagement=
To ensure that data and metadata continue to be understood and used effectively into the future the ADA liaises regularly with the Designated Community – including data infrastructure and methods experts, data owners and custodians, and end users. The ADA works closely with academic colleagues in POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research [17] at the ANU which includes experts in research methods, design and statistical practices as well as social science subject matter experts.

The ADA staff are regularly involved in national and international workshops and conferences. And are active members of several industry groups, for example: the DDI Alliance [18], the Dataverse User Community [19], the Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc. (ACSPRI) [20] and the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR) [21] for data users. The ADA staff also contribute to ANU teaching and training programs.

The ADA access management team interacts regularly with data users via the ticketing system which functions as a request management platform and helpdesk for general enquiries. The ADA actively supports the establishment of new users in the system and acts as the first contact for queries about data in the collection and general queries about data management and end-of-life solutions for research project data.

=Supporting reuse =
The ADA publishes all quantitative data files in multiple formats that widely used by the designated community to support reuse:

*.sav (SPSS)

*.sas (SAS)

*.dta (STATA)

*.csv

=Metadata Standards=

The ADA requires a minimum level of DDI metadata based on ADA metadata guidelines [93]. ADA implements DDI-Codebook 2.5 for discovery and reuse in Dataverse and applies DDI-methodology elements at study and variable level for curated collections. Methodology coverage includes: study design, universe, sampling, data collection mode, fieldwork dates, weighting, cleaning operations, and instrument/question text (where provided).

=Controlled Vocabularies & Identifiers=

To support consistency, discovery, and interoperability, ADA uses:

ANZSRC Fields of Research (disciplinary classification for discovery/harvesting).

Licences: Creative Commons (for open/recorded-access collections) or ADA licence terms (for restricted collections).

Persistent identifiers & provenance: DOIs via DataCite; provenance captured through workflow logs with PROV-O classes in ADAPT (for SIP→AIP→DIP transitions).

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) Fields of Research (FoR) is one of a set of three related classifications developed for use in the measurement and analysis of research and experimental development (R&D) statistics in Australia and New Zealand. ANZSRC FoR codes are to be completed for published datasets to enable harvesting by the Australian Research Data Australia catalogue [16].

=Expected Documentation for Reuse=

Depositors are expected to provide project metadata and supporting documents where applicable, including the survey instrument, data dictionary, code book, data user guide, and technical report. The ADA archivists actively assess deposits for reuse and include usability recommendations in their data processing report for the depositor. Recommendations can include requests for additional metadata or documentation. The ADA supports updates and revisions to published data, metadata, and documentation outlined in Workflows [34].

=References =

[17] The Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/)

[19] Dataverse User Community – (https://groups.google.com/g/dataverse-community?pli=1)

[20] Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc. (ACSPRI) – (https://www.acspri.org.au/)

[21] World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR) – (https://wapor.org/)

[18] Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) – (https://ddialliance.org/)

[93] Metadata guidelines for ADA Dataverse - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Metadata_guidelines_for_ADA_Dataverse)

[16] Research Data Australia - (https://researchdata.edu.au/)

[34] Workflows - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Workflows)

Discovery and Identification

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The ADA holdings are findable through the ADA Dataverse [10] interface that includes a search function for indexed Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) [18] metadata and facets for narrowing search results [71]. Searchable metadata includes topic classification using Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) Field of Research (FoR) codes [11] and keywords appropriate for the data.

Dataverse provides a formal data citation for each data collection that is published. ADA mints Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) for each data collection, a service supported by Datacite [72].

ADA data holdings are also searchable through the Research Data Australia (RDA) service [16] which harvests ADA metadata for their catalogue of research data across Australia.

The ADA is a registered research data repository with Re3Data [14].

==References ==

[10] ADA Production Dataverse - (https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/)

[18] Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) - (https://ddialliance.org/)

[14] Re3Data – (http://www.re3data.org/repository/r3d100010138)

[16] Australian National Data Service RDA – (https://researchdata.ands.org.au/)

[11] ANZSRC FoR codes – (https://vocabs.ardc.edu.au/viewById/316)

[71] Dataverse userguide: finding data – (https://guides.dataverse.org/en/4.0/user/find-use-data.html)

[72] Datacite – (https://datacite.org/)

Discovery and Identification

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Workflows

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Quality Assurance

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ADA expects a data deposit to meet quality requirements specified in the ADA deposit guidelines [5]. All deposits are assessed for quality assurance by an ADA archivist. This assessment includes both content and form. On the content side, the archivist will examine the data for presence of direct and indirect identifiers. On the form side, the archivist will confirm unambiguous, clear labels for all variables and run spell checks and basic metadata consistency and completeness checks. The archivist will then propose any corresponding changes to the depositor in a formal Processing Report. If the depositor does not agree to changes the ADA archivist deems necessary, a deposit may be rejected, outlined under Deposit & Appraisal [22]. If approved by the depositor, the archivist will implement the agreed changes and generate publication-ready versions of the data. All deposits are subject to data-level curation outlined under Background Information and Context, part 5 [24].

Accompanying documentation should be submitted to ensure comprehension of the study and the data. The archivist will liaise with the depositor to ensure that all necessary value labels and codes are defined, and that the DDI-Codebook 2.5 metadata fields are completed in Dataverse as specified in the Metadata Guidelines for ADA Dataverse [93], including reference to the DDI Controlled Vocabularies – Overview [104]. This ensures that the data are maximally findable and reusable. ADA typically requires Citation, Geospatial, and Social Sciences and Humanities metadata to be provided by depositors, as shown in an example of a published dataset [92] for reuse on the ADA Dataverse. It is not a requirement that a depositor completes all the DDI fields, but it is recommended to meet a minimum requirement for reuse as determined by the ADA based on the metadata guidelines [93]. ADA also encourages depositors to include references for related publications and other digital resources in their project metadata on Dataverse.

= References =
[5] Deposit guidelines – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Quick_Deposit_Guide)

[22] Deposit Appraisal & Collection Policy - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Deposit_Appraisal_%26_Collection_Policy)

[24] Background Information and Context - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Background_Information_and_Context)

[93] Metadata guidelines for ADA Dataverse - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Metadata_guidelines_for_ADA_Dataverse)

[104] DDI Controlled Vocabularies - Overview - (https://rdf-vocabulary.ddialliance.org/cv)

[92] Metadata guidelines for ADA Dataverse - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Metadata_guidelines_for_ADA_Dataverse)

Preservation plan

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Deposit Appraisal & Collection Policy

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== Submission Appraisal Criteria ==

ADA accepts data that fits broadly into the remit of the archive and can be described with the social science DDI metadata. Submissions must be of current value or of potential historical interest to ADA. The subject matter being in either the Social, Political or Economic areas, and their many affiliated research fields. ADA encourages submission of full project data and not just the data associated with a publication release which is often only a small subset of the actual data available. Submissions must have the potential for secondary analysis using the digital data files and their supporting material. At least a portion of the submissions needs to be made publicly accessible. However, tightly controlled access conditions may apply even to that portion.

== Out of Scope Materials ==

The ADA will only accept digital material. There are no other firm rules regarding the material that won’t be accepted by the ADA for preservation and dissemination, however submissions that contain explicit or offensive material and those that offer limited potential for secondary analysis will not be considered favourably. In addition, submissions that pose significant risk of re-identification may also be rejected where the depositor (and/or the data custodian) is unwilling to apply appropriate data or other protections as recommended by ADA staff. Materials submitted may also not be accepted if the metadata provided is insufficient for long-term preservation. This includes the social science DDI metadata on ADA Dataverse. For quantitative data this includes variable-level metadata for all files submitted and all data variables. ADA will work with depositors to ensure metadata is complete at all levels. Finally, in the event that the ADA determines that the material is not suitable for archiving, it will endeavour to provide the depositor with suggestions of other suitable repositories. The final decision about acceptance of a submission lies with the ADA Director.

== Preferred Data Formats ==

The ADA accepts most formats. However, for tabular data files, the ADA prefers submission in SPSS format (.sav files). This format captures variable level metadata (variable and value labels, data formats etc.) and SPSS Statistics is adept at exporting multiple alternative file formats. The ADA also accepts Stata, SAS, and R, as well as text formats (.csv; .tab) provided data including both value labels and codes can be provided. Other data formats will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For qualitative data, data formats vary significantly and submitted formats will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. ADA provides further technical information for appraisal of both quantitative and qualitative data formats on our Quick Deposit Guide wiki [86].

==References ==
[86] ADA Quick Deposit Guide – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Quick_Deposit_Guide)

Provenance and authenticity

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To ensure the clear provenance and authenticity of each deposit, ADA has based its archival workflow on the OAIS Reference Model (refer to Workflows [34] for further detail).

Data depositors are required to sign an ADA Data License Agreement to license ADA the right to share the data. Licensing is covered under Rights Management [26].

The original data and metadata submitted by a depositor to the ADA Deposit Dataverse instance (see Storage and Integrity [37]) is preserved unchanged as a Submission Information Package (SIP) when ingested by the ADA Deposit & Preservation Tool (ADAPT) [6]. ADAPT is a web-based tool developed by ADA to ensure that data and metadata in the archive are programmatically migrated between Dataverse instances and archivist processing as Submission Information Packages (SIP), Archival Information Packages (AIP), and archival storage at publication as Dissemination Information Packages (DIP). ADAPT implements PROV-O [3] to express basic classes to log these activities. Any curation required is done on a copy of the SIP once it has been ingested through ADAPT to ensure integrity of the original deposit.

The curation and processing of the data are recorded in an archivist Processing Report provided to the depositor for response and approval before publication of the data on the ADA Production Dataverse platform. All deposited data and documents are stored in directories under a unique five or six-digit archive identification number (ADAID) as the SIP, along with the AIP, DIP, and PROV-O logs. See Quality Assurance [33] for details of the curation.

The DIP is generated from the AIP and is made accessible on separate instances of Dataverse, first on the Test Dataverse for the depositor to review, then on the Production Dataverse [10] for user access (this process is expanded in Storage and Integrity [37]). See an example of a dataset [85] published on ADA Dataverse for access request.

Changes or updates to the data files of an already published deposit are treated as a new deposit, i.e. a new SIP, AIP and DIP are created. Metadata changes by depositors are managed through the ADA ticketing system, which includes identification checks by ensuring contact information matches the corresponding verified user account on Dataverse, or confirmation from the data custodian.

Once data is published on the Production Dataverse (landing page) [10], any changes to files and metadata are tracked in Dataverse’s versioning with details of any changes accessible to all users. After each publication ADAPT exports the Dataverse system fixity and metadata to the relevant directory identified by the unique ADAID for that dataset for provenance.

==References==
[34] Workflows - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Workflows)

[26] Rights Management - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Rights_Management)

[37] Storage & Integrity - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Storage_%26_Integrity)

[6] ADAPT - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/ADAPT)

[3] PROV-O – (https://www.w3.org/TR/2013/REC-prov-o-20130430/)

[33] Quality Assurance - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Quality_Assurance)

[85] ADA Dataverse published dataset - (https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/dataset.xhtml?persistentId=doi:10.26193/4XK0SX)

[10] ADA Production Dataverse - (https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/)

Expertise & Guidance

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== INTERNAL RESOURCES ==

ADA staff bring expertise in quantitative and qualitative data archiving, social science methodology, access management and user experience. ADA staff include experts in technology, digital security, software development and programming. Academic staff at ADA regularly publish in peer reviewed social science and digital humanities journals and are recognised experts in associated fields.

ADA is situated within POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research at ANU [17]. This arrangement provides ADA ready access to a range of academic experts in social policy research, methodology, and data governance in a range of relevant social science fields. ADA benefits from the advice and contribution of members of the POLIS scientific advisory board [66]. The board members include international and Australian leaders in survey research, with particular expertise in survey design, internet-based surveys, sampling error, and longitudinal research.

Recurrent funding from ANU has supported the continued operation of ADA since 1981 and provides sufficient resources to recruit and train appropriately skilled staff.

ADA maintains an internal wiki to capture and share resources among staff including training and onboarding content. ADA staff regularly undertake professional development including workshops and seminars, conference attendance, and auditing of courses in the POLIS curriculum.

All ADA staff meet weekly to discuss any data protection and access issues with the Director. The ANU Research Contracts Office and University Legal Office are available to advise ADA on contracts and intellectual property issues.

This combination of internal expertise and institutional support ensures the ADA can accommodate evolutions in data types, volumes, and rates. ADA regularly adopts and develops effective new technologies including digital tools for data processing and risk assessment, and data discovery and dissemination.

== EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT ==

ADA actively engages with a range of networks, organisations, and activities that provide opportunities for exchanging professional expertise and industry guidance. Current engagements related to social science research infrastructure include:

- Project partner and work package lead on: The WorldFAIR Project [87]

- Member organisation with: World Data System (WDS) [88]

- Steering Group and Expert Group members for the: Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia Decadal plan for social science research infrastructure [89]

- The ADA host institution is a member organisation with: Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) [90]

- ADA staff are individual members of: International Association of Social Science Information Service and Technology (IASSIST) [91]

- Staff attend and teach into training programs at: Australian Consortium of Social and Political Research (ACSPRI) [20]

==References==
[17] The Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/)

[66] POLIS Scientific Advisory Board – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/people/advisory-board)

[87] The WorldFAIR Project - (https://worldfair-project.eu/)

[88] World Data System (WDS) - (https://worlddatasystem.org/)

[89] Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia - (https://socialsciences.org.au/news/decadal-plan-for-social-science-research-infrastructure-launches)

[90] Australian Research Data Commons - (https://ardc.edu.au/)

[91] International Association of Social Science Information Service and Technology (IASSIST) - (http://www.iassistdata.org/)

[20] Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc. (ACSPRI) - (https://www.acspri.org.au/)

Governance & Resources

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= Organisation of the ADA =

The ADA staff comprises 6 staff members at time of submission, with a total of 5.86 FTE:

- Director

- Technical Manager

- Archive Manager

- Software developer

- Senior data access officer

- Data archivist

ADA staff are organised into three groups within the archive – Data Access, Data Archiving, and Technical.

The ADA Director reports to the Program Leader: Data analytics and evaluation within POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research [17] at The Australian National University (ANU). POLIS is part of the Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) in the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences. ADA operates within this structure and is governed by the ANU Policy on Centres and Institutes [41].

Additional IT functions are provided to ADA by two external partners:

The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) [7] is Australia’s preeminent computing facility, delivering on the critical national need for high-performance data, storage, and computing services. NCI provides compute, storage and network infrastructure for the ADA, and is supported by a team of over 70 staff, funded through Australia’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) [67].

The Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Incorporated (ACSPRI) [20] provides development operations support for the ADA on a contractual basis. ACSPRI and ADA have a long-term collaboration dating back to the establishment of both organisations in 1981.

== OPERATIONAL COSTS AND RECRUITMENT ==

The ADA is funded on an ongoing basis by the Australian National University (ANU), primarily through the National Institutes Grant [68] provided directly to the ANU by the Australian Federal Government. This funding has been supporting ANU since its establishment in 1981. This core funding is supplemented by project grant funding from a variety of sources. In the last 10 years, this has included funding through the Australian Research Council, Australian Research Data Commons, Horizon Europe (European Commission) and contract research with government agencies and other external partners.

== RECOGNISED HOST INSTITUTION ==

The Australian National University was established in 1946 through an Act of the Australian Federal Government and continues to be governed by the parliament under the auspices of the Australian National University Act 1991 and the Public Governance, Performance & Accountability Act 2013 [69]. The Australian Data Archive was established within the Research School of Social Sciences in 1981 and has continued to be part of the RSSS since its establishment.

Staffing and infrastructure support for the ADA has enabled the operation of the archive for over 40 years. The continuing operations of the archive will focus on including a breadth of funding sources to supplement the ANU core funding, and use of outsourcing partners to support core archive staff to provide relevant operational functions. As ADA’s budget is part of the overall ANU corporate budget, there is no separate documentation of the ADA’s budget that can be provided. However, while no funding is certain, we expect this strategy to continue providing a sound basis for ADA operations into the foreseeable future.

=References=

[69] ANU Governance – (https://www.anu.edu.au/about/governance)

[17] The Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/)

[7] National Computational Infrastructure – (https://nci.org.au/)

[67] National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) – (https://www.education.gov.au/ncris)

[68] ANU National Institutes Grant policy – (https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_018016)

[41] ANU Policy on Centres and Institutes – (https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_012009)

[20] Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc. (ACSPRI) - (https://www.acspri.org.au/)

Legal & Ethical

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=Legal & Ethical=

== LEGAL STANDARDS ==

The relevant legal standard in Australia for the creation, curation, preservation, and access of data is The Privacy Act 1988 [63], the principle Australian Government legislation protecting the handling and disclosure of individuals’ personal information.

== MANAGEMENT OF DISCLOSURE RISK ==

All data are evaluated by an ADA archivist to determine disclosure risks and appropriate actions that should be taken to mitigate that risk. To comply with the Privacy Act, archivists first ensure that no directly identifying information (such as participant names and contact details) are included in the data and will remove any such information from all copies of the data files held and disseminated by the ADA. The archivists will also examine the data for indirect identifying information and evaluate risks of disclosure that might arise from combining that information and/or linking that data with other sensitive information in data or other sources.

There are a range of mitigation actions that archivists can recommend to depositors as detailed in the section covering Deposit and Appraisal [22]. The ADA will typically make these changes to the data on behalf of the depositor.

Risk assessment tools are currently in use and in development at the ADA. See sections Quality Assurance [33] and Workflows [34] for details about these tools and their application in the data deposit and appraisal workflows.

The ADA encourages depositors to consult external guidelines [28] for managing disclosure risk. These resources are intended to provide context to the risk mitigation strategies recommended by the ADA archivist, and as a reference for prospective depositors to assist them in making decisions about deidentifying their data prior to submission or in consultation with the ADA.

== ETHICAL STANDARDS ==

The depositor is responsible for ensuring that data provided to the ADA has been collected from research participants subject to approved research ethics requirements. The ADA does not explicitly request or require evidence of ethical approval or review prior to deposit and the depositor must determine if their ethical obligations permit sharing of data.

ADA’s ethical governance aligns with the FAIR and CARE Principles, ensuring that data sharing supports both openness and Indigenous rights in accordance with Australia’s national ethics codes.

Australian researchers working with human participants and based at organisations that receive National Health and Medical Research Council (NHRMC) public research funding are subject to NHMRC National Statement on the Ethical Conduct of Research [64], and the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research (ACRCR) [65]. For research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Communities, researchers must consult and apply NHMRC’s Ethical Conduct in Research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities: Guidelines for Researchers and Stakeholders (2018) and Keeping Research on Track II (2018), and the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (2020) and A Guide to Applying The AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (2020), produced by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) [75]. ADA acknowledges and supports the CARE Principles outlined in these guidelines [46].

ADA has been contributing to various projects working towards Indigenous Data Sovereignty [80], Indigenous Metadata development [79], and an ongoing project managed by Harvard Dataverse Project to integrate Local Contexts [78] tools to support Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and Indigenous Data Sovereignty. See ADA Projects & Collaborations [81].

The ADA does occasionally accept deposits from organisations that are not governed by the NHMRC guidelines. In these instances, the ADA will work with the depositor to understand their consent process and determine appropriate access conditions if the data is deemed suitable for publication. The ADA License Agreement and Terms of Use specify appropriate uses of the data that comply with the original ethics approval. See section on Rights Management [26].

The ADA also complies with ethical norms for data sharing as described in the Five Safes Framework [96]. As described above, procedures for identifying and mitigating disclosure risk are in place to ensure data is sufficiently safe for secondary use. The ADA also evaluates requests for data access against the four remaining risk aspects of the framework to ensure that the people making the request, their projects, settings, and outputs are also sufficiently safe.

==References==

[33] Quality Assurance – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Quality_Assurance)

[34] Workflows – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Workflows)

[26] Rights Management – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Rights_Management)

[63] The Privacy Act, 1988 – (https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-legislation/the-privacy-act)

[28] Legal & Ethical – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Legal_%26_Ethical)

[64] NHMRC National Statement on the Ethical Conduct of Research – (https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/research-policy/ethics/national-statement-ethical-conduct-human-research)

[65] Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research – (https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-code-responsible-conduct-research-2018)

[22] Deposit Appraisal & Collection Policy - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Deposit_Appraisal_%26_Collection_Policy)

[75] AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research - (https://aiatsis.gov.au/research/ethical-research/code-ethics)

[46] CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance - (https://ardc.edu.au/resource/the-care-principles/)

[80] Social Indicators and Data Governance to Support Local Decision Making in the Groote Archipelago - (https://anindilyakwa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Social-Indicators-and-Data-Governance-to-Support-Local-Decision-Making-in-the-Groote-Archipelago.pdf)

[79] Indigenous Metadata Bundle Communique - (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.24353743.v1)

[78] Local Contexts - (https://localcontexts.org/)

[81] ADA Projects & Collaborations - (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/ADA_Projects#ADA_Projects_and_Project_Collaborations)

[96] 5 Safes - (https://fivesafes.org/)

Continuity of Service

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The ADA offers three core services to our user community, in line with the OAIS model:

1. Deposit of research data in line with our ADA collections policy [22] under a depositor agreement

2. Preservation of deposited data [9]

3. Curation of deposited research data at the data level [33] [34]

Dissemination of curated data to users at different access levels is subject to the terms and conditions of access specified by the depositor in the license agreement.

The ADA has existed with the mission to obtain, archive and disseminate research data for secondary use since 1981 at the Australian National University (ANU). The ANU was established in 1946 by an act of the Federal Parliament of Australia and thus is established as a long-term institution. University structures are such that funding cycles and employment at the University are not available for publication in the public domain, however the ANU has provided core funding for the ADA since the inception of the ADA in 1981 (44 years), and its support is ongoing to this day. The ADA exists as an administrative unit within POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research [17]. POLIS is established as a Centre within the Research School of Social Sciences at the ANU and is covered by ANU Policy on Centres and Institutes [41]. The ADA core mission is embedded in that of the long-term strategic plan of POLIS.

As a unit within the ANU we rely upon the institutional obligations of The University for both long term continuity and infrastructure support.

In the unlikely event that ADA ceases operations, all ADA data holdings will be transferred to the ANU Archives [84]. This arrangement is fully aligned with the ANU Archive Collection Policy [83] which ensures the preservation of records of "continuing value”.

ADA can also return data holdings to the owners in the unlikely event of its cessation. The ADA does not have succession agreements with other archives or institutions outside of the ANU; therefore, the collection will remain fully within the University under this succession plan.

==References==

[22] Deposit Appraisal & Collection Policy – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Deposit_Appraisal_%26_Collection_Policy)

[17] The Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) – (https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/)

[33] Quality Assurance – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Quality_Assurance)

[34] Workflows – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Workflows)

[9] Preservation Plan – (https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Preservation_plan)

[41] ANU Policy on Centres and Institutes – (https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_012009)

[84] ANU Archives - https://archives.anu.edu.au/

[83] ANU Archive Collection Policy - (https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_009412)

Rights Management

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Mmcgale:

= Rights Management at ADA =

== GENERAL APPROACH ==

Rights are primarily managed through an ADA Licence Agreement and the associated ADA Licence Terms and Conditions of Use and ADA Licence Access Guestbook. Using the ADA Licence Agreement, data depositors provide ADA the right to disseminate their data and other materials under specified conditions. Data users agree to abide by these conditions when they indicate their agreement with the Terms of Use upon requesting access to the data.

ADA aims to make data as accessible as possible with transparent and minimal access criteria. ADA balances accessibility with preserving the intellectual property rights of data depositors by collecting and reviewing sufficient information from data users before approving access.

== DEPOSIT LICENCES ==

When a deposit is received by the ADA, the depositor must complete and sign a Licence Agreement, covering:

- The provision of a non-exclusive licence for the ADA to publish the data and other materials for further analysis and the publication of the results of such analysis, subject to any stated conditions.

-The assertion that access can be granted by the ADA only to persons deemed to comply with the agreed access conditions. Access conditions are outlined for users on the ADA website [100].

There are several access categories that can be selected to govern the data dissemination; however, where these categories do not meet the depositor’s requirements, customised access conditions may be devised with ADA.

Standard Access Conditions [100]:

::* OPEN ACCESS: studies where there are no restrictions on access

::* GENERAL ACCESS: studies with controlled data access managed by the ADA on behalf of the depositor

::*RESTRICTED ACCESS: studies where the depositor, or an authorised representative, wishes to be informed by the Archive of each request to use the data in order to give or withhold permission.

::*SPECIAL ACCESS: studies where the depositor has included additional special access conditions.

The ADA meets with depositors to ensure both parties can comply with the licence agreement. ADA also provides a comprehensive report detailing any changes required to meet the agreed data access conditions and to comply with Australian privacy legislation.

== TERMS OF USE ==

Depositors are provided two supplementary forms – Licence Terms and Conditions of Use, and Licence Access Guestbook – that include the standard ADA terms and conditions of use and the standard information that prospective data users are required to provide, respectively. These can be modified as required by depositors.

Standard terms of use include:

- Use of data is for analytical purposes only

- Outputs must include acknowledgement of data depositor and ADA

- Notify ADA of any non-compliance

Terms and conditions of use are published alongside the data and materials. Users must explicitly agree to these terms to complete their access request. Users must also complete the guestbook with required personal and project details. The ADA evaluates these responses against the established access conditions before providing access. If sufficient information is not provided by the data applicant, then ADA access management staff will request additional information for either ADA to decide on behalf of the data custodian, or for the data custodian to decide whether access is granted. Access requests are declined if the user is unable to comply.

Open-access terms can be set for non-sensitive data by applying a Creative Commons Licence.

== References==
[100] ADA website - accessing data - https://ada.edu.au/accessing-data/

Mission & Scope

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Mmcgale:

The Australian Data Archive (ADA), established in 1981, provides a national service for the collection, preservation, and dissemination of digital research data in the social sciences and related disciplines.

The ADA’s mission is to strengthen evidence-based research and policy by ensuring the long-term preservation and access to high-quality research data from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. We deliver trusted infrastructure and services that enable secure, sustainable data reuse. Through collaboration with researchers, government, and the wider community, we maximise the value, transparency, and impact of social-science data [40].

==References==

[40] ADA website - (https://ada.edu.au/about-ada/) <br>

Background Information and Context

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Mmcgale:

== Identifier information ==

* Re3data Identifier: https://www.re3data.org/repository/r3d100010138
* [https://ror.org/ ROR] identifier: https://ror.org/00qtfgg81
* RRID:SCR_014706
* [https://fairsharing.org/ FAIRsharing] DOI: [https://doi.org/10.25504/FAIRsharing.sN8d9i 10.25504/FAIRsharing.sN8d9i]

== Repository type ==

'''Specialist repository'''

== Overview ==

The Australian Data Archive (ADA) provides a national service for the collection and preservation of digital research data and to make these data available for secondary analysis by academic researchers and other users. The archive is based in POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research (formerly the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods; CSRM) at the Australian National University (ANU). Along with Australian data, ADA is also a repository for studies conducted in other countries, particularly throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The ADA:

- Has a team of professional data archivists, advised by a panel of leading social scientists, providing both stewardship and outreach services to the Australian research community.

- Acquires, documents, preserves, and disseminates data online to a broad range of social science researchers in the university, government, and other sectors.

- Provides the only comprehensive social science data collection in Australia, with a catalogue of data files from over 1700 projects dating back to 1833 through to the present day.

- Holds data from Australian surveys, opinion polls and censuses and includes data from other countries within the Asia Pacific region. The ADA data catalogue includes studies from countries other than Australia including New Zealand, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China and Indonesia.

- Provides specialist services:

:::ADA offers comprehensive services that support secure reuse of research data:

::::* Technical liaison and platform integration – design, deployment, and ongoing support for digital research infrastructure. For example, ADA hosts CADRE (Coordinated Access for Data, Researchers and Environments, cadre.ada.edu.au), a shared, distributed platform for managing access to sensitive data.

::::* Archival workflows and risk assessment – end-to-end ingest, curation, and preservation pipelines, underpinned by ADAPT (Archival Data Processing Tool) and CARAT (Curation and Risk Assessment Tool) for systematic privacy risk evaluation and documentation. ADAPT and CARAT are currently internal tools and only accessible to ADA staff.

::::* Metadata and documentation guidance – hands-on support in applying DDI schema; creation of machine-actionable metadata, data dictionaries, and codebooks to ensure FAIR compliance and long-term discoverability.

::::* Data harmonisation and integration – bespoke tools and services (in development) that facilitate variable mapping and cross-study alignment, enabling cumulative files and comparative analyses.

::::* Policy, licensing, and access management – development of governance frameworks, licence models, and service-desk workflows to streamline controlled access for sensitive data.

- Provides subject-matter and data-type expertise:

:::The available research expertise across both ADA and POLIS includes specific disciplinary knowledge in political science, public opinion, criminology and justice, Indigenous and First Nations research, social policy, and population health. Methodologically, ADA handles a wide range of data types, including quantitative survey microdata, qualitative and mixed-methods materials, longitudinal and panel datasets, administrative time-series, and historical statistical series, ensuring that each collection can receive tailored curation and access solutions.

- Belongs to international organisations (such as the International Federation of Data Organizations (IFDO) and the International Association of Social Science Information Service and Technology (IASSIST) and plays a major role in cross-national collaborative projects.

== (4) Designated Community ==

The ADA provides services to a wide variety of public, commercial and academic users in research, government and other sectors as designated communities. These communities are naturally reflected in the archive’s holdings. The largest group of users in the designated community is the academic cohort, consisting of students and academic researchers.

ADA is a specialist data repository focused on the social sciences. ADA defines this specialisation broadly, however, and can accept data from a wide range of related disciplines including humanities, arts, health, business and economics. It provides expert support across disciplines such as political science, criminology, Indigenous studies and related fields. A wide range of data types are supported, including quantitative, qualitative, longitudinal, time series and panel data, as well as historical statistics.

ADA serves a range of sectors, including public, commercial, and government sectors. However, its primary user base is the academic community—comprising students and researchers—whose research needs are closely aligned with the archive’s social science specialisation.

== (5) Level of Curation ==

Level of Curation Performed:

A. Content distributed as deposited

B. Basic curation – e.g., brief checking, addition of basic metadata or documentation

C. Enhanced curation – e.g., conversion to new formats, enhancement of documentation

D. Data-level curation – as in C above, but with additional editing of deposited data for accuracy

ADA applies a tiered curation model. All deposits receive at least Basic curation (B) to ensure confidentiality, accessibility, and sufficient documentation. We escalate to Enhanced curation (C) and to Data-level curation (D) where a dataset requires format conversion, documentation enhancement, or direct data edits to improve privacy or usability. In limited cases, content is distributed as deposited (A) when materials already meet ADA privacy and quality thresholds.

In consultation with the data custodian/ data depositor, the ADA archivist will make changes to the data ranging from edits, such as spelling corrections and label shortening, to aggregation and restricting of variables as required.

Depending on the data, Level C and D curation may include conversion of submitted materials to new file formats, including the creation of data files with subsets of the originally submitted data. It is possible for some sensitive datasets to have Non-Sensitive releasable sub-sets or versions. Where required, these are managed using different access strategies outlined in the ADA Data License agreement. Enhancement of documentation and metadata is also routinely undertaken by the ADA and can include generating original documentation such as data dictionaries.

== (6) Cooperation and outsourcing to third parties, partners and host organisations ==

=== The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) ===

The NCI provide and house the platforms that the ADA use to deliver its service as well as providing storage locations for the long-term preservation of ADA data. The NCI is also managed by The ADA’s host institution, The Australian National University (ANU) with governance provided by the NCI Board, within the limits of the Statutes and Policies of the University. The NCI operates the fastest file systems in the Southern Hemisphere and is the nation’s most highly integrated, high performance research computing environment. Further information regarding the NCI Storage Systems can be found at http://nci.org.au/our-systems/storage-systems.

The NCI maintain VMWare and VM’s which run the ADA Dataverse servers and provide professional support via their helpdesk facility. ADA staff also have access to the NCI managed RDS; providing additional security when working remotely (for example during the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021).

The ADA collection is supported at NCI as a registered project and is supported under the ANU’s merit allocation. The ADA collection is therefore subject to the same mandates as all other NCI project scheme storage agreements as detailed at http://nci.org.au/users/nci-terms-and-conditions-access. The ADA agree to terms and conditions specified by NCI to use their services such as personal security around logins, user behaviour and other areas.

=== The Australian Consortium for Social & Political Research Inc (ACSPRI) ===

The ADA have an ‘as required’ contractual arrangement with ACSPRI to install, maintain, and support ADA software including the various ADA Dataverse applications, Metabase, and OSTicket task management and tracking application. The support also extends to the recovery of applications in the event of a loss of data.

ADAPT

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Mmcgale:

ADA Deposit and Preservation Tool (ADAPT) is a web-based tool developed by the Australian Data Archive to ensure that data and metadata in the Archive are programmatically moved between Dataverse instances and ADA’s archival storage.

<blockquote>
See ADAPT's implementation within ADA technical architecture - click on the link to the diagram [https://docs.ada.edu.au/index.php/Main_Page#ADA_Archival_Workflow_Diagram ADA Archival Workflow based on OAIS Reference Model].
</blockquote>

The focus of ADAPT version 3 is for for the application to be a direct representation of the OAIS model, enforcing the steps which each dataset must follow when being processed by the archive. These steps must be followed according to the application's defined order and cannot be skipped, or ignored, thus ensuring adherence to the model and reducing any risks. For the application to know what processing options are available for the archivist to use on a given dataset, this new version extends the datasets by implementing them as objects with a dynamic reference to where within the OAIS reference model the dataset is up to. By tying the processing options with the dataset's state ADA can ensure that data and metadata is consistently and only programmatically moved between instances and storage when appropriate. The additional benefit of this is that it allows for tracking the progression of the datasets in an automated and verifiable process. Furthermore, all of the aforementioned references to dataverse instances, assigned archivists, depositor contacts and related internal ticket numbers are all tracked in application too. To ensure all this information is secure, the ADAPT implements OAuth2 login to ensure only approved ADA staff are able to view and manipulate the datasets.

== Web Ontology Language (OWL) ==

The Web Ontology Language (OWL) is a W3C-recommended standard designed as a foundational language for the Semantic Web, which aims to make internet data machine-readable by providing a formal system for knowledge representation. At its core, OWL allows for the explicit, formal specification of an ontology, defining the terminology and the complex relationships within a specific domain of knowledge. For ADAPT, OWL is leveraged not just for static modeling but also for dynamic auditing and version control: the ontology includes specialized classes and properties to define events, actors, and timestamps, effectively creating a formal change log schema. Any modification to the underlying datasets—such as adding, deleting, or altering entities—is automatically captured as a new set of RDF triples conforming to this change log schema and is then persisted to an rdflib graph. This technique ensures that a formal, machine-readable history of all dataset changes is maintained, utilizing the semantic rigor of OWL to provide a structured, queryable audit trail that is then human readable for each dataset in ADAPT.

== Roles ==

{| class=wikitable
|+ style="text-align: left;" | ADAPT's internal roles and their equivalent permissions within ADAPT
|-
! scope=col | Role !! scope=col | Permissions
|-
| scope=row | User
| Process a dataset depending on available archival rules.
|-
| scope=row | Admin
| Manage users, and all User powers.
|-
| scope=row | Super
| Manage instances, manage archival steps, and all Admin & User powers.
|}

== Software Architecture ==

* [https://www.postgresql.org/ PostgreSQL] Database
* [https://www.python.org/ Python] Backend
** Web framework: [https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/ FastAPI]
** Database toolkit & ORM: [https://sqlmodel.tiangolo.com/ SQLModel]
* [https://react.dev/ React] Frontend
** Bundler: [https://vite.dev/ Vite]
** Component library: [https://ui.shadcn.com/ shadcn]
* [https://traefik.io/traefik Traefik] Proxy