Chapter 1: Data Archives - a Quick Introduction

As a preface to the rest of the DAG, this chapter gives a quick introduction to what data archives are, why they exist, and what their mission, function, and way of operating is. The chapter is structured as a set of basic important questions (Q1-Q11) about social science data archives, which are each answered briefly and succinctly.

Every section contains a “Find out more about your archive” section, which contains questions you can ask your colleagues or otherwise investigate to find out more about the specific context of the archive. Some sections also contain Expert tips pointing to useful materials or approaches related to the topic.