This guide provides an overview of the concepts, procedures, and terms used in data management, with the focus of applying them when creating an effective data management and sharing plan (DMS Plan), sometimes also referred to as a DMSP or a DMP. We will point out some best practices throughout each section, give writing prompts, and will point to other resources on our website that have further information about data management and sharing practices to consider when creating a DMS Plan.
We also encourage researchers to use DMPTool, a free, online tool for creating DMS Plans that offers templates for major funding agencies. By signing in with your UW-Madison NetID, you’ll be able to request feedback from RDS consultants once you’ve completed a first draft of your DMS Plan.