Data access is the ability to view data records in any format. Data access also includes efforts to obtain, disseminate, report, or publish research data, which facilitates access to the data by others. Data access must be managed throughout the life cycle of research data, e.g., while generating, using, maintaining, and destroying research data.

When assuring appropriate access to research data, keep these questions in mind:

• Who should be allowed access to this data?
• What level of data access should be given? (e.g., raw or primary, transformed, or summarized data)
• What access safeguards or restrictions are in place?
• Who is responsible for monitoring access safeguards?
• Are the data private or proprietary and therefore in need of additional protection?
• Do any data release agreements affect the data?

Think about these questions as you read the case study on the next page.