This FAQ entry concerns active data (i.e. it is being used, added to, modified by you or your research team). For help with inactive data (i.e. your research project is complete and/or the data is stable), see the FAQ entry on "Where can I deposit and share my data when my research is complete?"

When storing any important digital data, you should strive to use a storage solution that provides backup (multiple copies in different physical locations), monitoring, and appropriate security. For these reasons, networked and professionally-managed storage is almost always preferable to storing data on a personally-managed workstation and consumer media (e.g., thumb drives, external hard drive).

For active data storage at Pitt, a good first step is to contact Contact Pitt IT. You can also contact the Digital Scholarship and Publishing team to ask a question, set up a consultation, or learn more about the library's research data support services.