Data files can be restricted in Borealis. Unlike unrestricted files, restricted files are not able to be downloaded immediately by end users of the data. Instead, end users will need to request access to the data, either through Borealis or by sending an email to the long-term contact person of the data.
Even if data files are restricted, they should not have sensitive information, such as information that could identify research participants.
If you are considering restricting your data files, consider:
- Why are you considering restricting the data file(s)?
- Are you (or the long-term contact person in the Dataset) prepared to field access requests to the file(s)?
- What Terms of Use will the restricted data file(s) have? For example, only available to researchers in Alberta.
Credit for this Borealis Data Repository Guide goes to Thompson Rivers University. Gratefully reused with permission.