Data are assigned a globally unique and persistent identifier
Your data should have a DOI (digital object identifier), ideally, or a permanent URL. This will keep your data at the same "address" for the foreseeable future. You can also or alternatively get a DOI or permanent URL for your metadata. Getting these persistent identifiers is easy if you deposit your data and/or metadata to a data repository.
Data are described with rich metadata
Metadata is the information that explains what your data is; it's the documentation that explains how to read and understand your data files. This can range from a robust ReadMe file to structured, machine readable metadata. Read more about documentation and metadata on our Data Management Best Practices guide.
Metadata clearly and explicitly include the identifier of the data it describes
When you create your documentation for your data, make sure to include the DOI, permanent URL, or other location information for how someone can access the data. "Will share upon request" with your or a collaborator's email address is not a recommended way to let people access your data. A data repository is the most findable place for your data and/or metadata to be.
Data are registered or indexed in a searchable resource
There are many, many data repositories available for you to deposit your data and/or metadata in. Your institution may even have one. Here at Penn ScholarlyCommons might be able to take your data depending on size and format. There are repositories for different disciplines, different types of data, and different purposes. Some funding agencies have data repositories available for your funded research data. You may be able to submit your data as supplementary material for your journal article, book chapter, or book. There are a lot of options for sharing your data in a registered or indexed (ie searched by Google or scholarly sources like Web or Science, Scopus, etc). See our guide on options for sharing data for more information or contact us for guidance.
