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Research data in USIR

Learn how to make datasets discoverable through USIR by linking your ORCID profile and creating output records.

Why add datasets to USIR?

The University of Salford Institutional Repository (USIR) is the University's record of research outputs. Ensuring that your datasets are represented in USIR:

  • increases the visibility of your research data
  • links datasets to your academic profile
  • supports reporting and assessment activities
  • helps demonstrate the impact and reuse of research outputs
  • provides a central record of research conducted at the University

Datasets shared through repositories such as Zenodo, Dryad, the UK Data Service, or disciplinary repositories should be represented in USIR even when the data itself is stored elsewhere.

Datasets deposited in the Open Research Data Repository (Salford Figshare) are added to USIR by the Library and do not require you to take action.

Connect datasets via ORCID

The simplest way to ensure your datasets are discoverable across research systems is to connect them to your ORCID record.

Many repositories support ORCID and will automatically add datasets to your ORCID profile when you:

Maintaining an up-to-date ORCID profile helps ensure that your research outputs, including datasets, can be identified, linked to you as a researcher, and harvested by institutional systems.

Researchers are strongly encouraged to:

  • obtain an ORCID iD
  • connect repository accounts to ORCID where available
  • regularly review their ORCID profile to ensure datasets are correctly represented

Further guidance is available on the ORCID page.

Creating a dataset record in Worktribe

If your dataset has not been imported automatically, you can create a record manually in Worktribe.

Step 1: Create a new output

  1. Log in to Worktribe.
  2. From the Outputs menu, select Add New Output.
  3. Choose Add Outputs Manually.

Step 2: Add dataset details

Complete the metadata fields as follows:

Field Guidance
Type Select Dataset where appropriate. Digital Artefact may be suitable for certain non-traditional research outputs.
Title Use the title of the dataset as it appears in the repository.
Abstract Copy the dataset description or abstract from the repository record.
Publication Status Select Published.
Online Publication Date Use the publication date from the repository record.
Publication Date Use the same date as Online Publication Date.
Platform Enter the name of the data repository.
DOI Enter the dataset DOI assigned by the repository.

Step 3: Add authors

In the Output Authors section:

  • add all dataset creators
  • use the Linked Person option for University of Salford authors wherever possible

The Output Contributors section is typically left blank, unless you have specific roles to enter such as Data Curator or Data Manager.

Step 4: Add funding information

In the Output Funders section:

  • record any external funding associated with the dataset
  • if the dataset is not externally funded, select University of Salford

Step 5: Submit the record

Once all required metadata has been completed, select Send to Library.

The Library will review the record before making it discoverable in USIR.

Restricted datasets

Some datasets may be subject to legal, ethical, commercial, or contractual restrictions.

Even where the underlying data cannot be shared, researchers should create a metadata record describing the dataset where appropriate. A metadata record can:

  • increase discoverability
  • support transparency
  • provide information about access restrictions
  • enable access requests where appropriate

The metadata record should clearly explain any restrictions that prevent the data from being openly shared.

Need help?

If you need support creating a dataset record in USIR, linking data outputs through ORCID, or representing restricted datasets, please contact the Library Open Research Team.