Types of Questions Asked at a Data Help Desk

Here is a general overview of the types of questions asked at a data help desk. For a detailed list of user questions, see the resources section of this website: Questions from users.

Overview of common questions

General inquiries:
- What is the purpose of the data help desk?
- How do I get started with using the service?
- What are the benefits of using the data help desk?
Data management and curation:
- How do I create a data package or archive?
- What metadata standards should I use for my data?
- How do I ensure data quality and integrity?
Repository and storage options:
- Which repositories are available for storing my data?
- What are the requirements for data storage and access?
- Can I store sensitive or confidential data in the repository?
Data sharing and collaboration:
- How do I share my data with others?
- What are the best practices for collaborating on datasets?
- Can I request access to someone else’s data?
Data preservation and long-term access:
- What measures are taken to ensure data preservation and long-term access?
- How can I contribute to data preservation efforts?
- Are there any specific requirements for data archiving or deposition?
Technical issues and troubleshooting:
- Why is my data not accessible?
- How do I resolve errors or technical issues with the repository?
- Can you assist me with formatting or converting data formats?
- How do I do the following with this software?
- Can you help me find resources for learning programming?
Policy and governance questions:
- What are the data sharing policies for the organization/ repository?
- Are there any specific requirements for data ownership or usage rights?
- How does the data help desk handle intellectual property issues?
General questions about services and support:
- Where can I get help with my data management needs?
- Are there any upcoming events or training sessions related to data management?