Versioning

Glossary

Header: Dataset Versions Text below the header: Versioning is an important method of long-term research data management, for example by regularly updating the metadata and/or files within a dataset. This process serves to track any changes made to metadata or files (e.g., when a new file is uploaded, file metadata is changed, or metadata is added/edited) after the dataset has been published. Graphic description: Four rectangles arranged in a stepwise layout, each successive one positioned lower and to the right of the previous. From the top rectangle, an arrow points downward to the next one, continuing in the same fashion to the final rectangle. Each rectangle contains a label, and on the left side of each are additional annotations with arrows pointing to the respective rectangle. The first rectangle is labeled "Draft Version", with four icons symbolizing a dataset on its left and a rightward arrow labeled "upload". The second rectangle is labeled "Published Dataset v1", with the following on the left: "Publish version 1" "Authors, Title, Year, DOI, Repository, V1" The third rectangle is labeled "Published Dataset v1.1", with the following on the left: "Publish version 1.1: minor metadata change; citation remains the same" The fourth rectangle is labeled "Published Dataset v2", with the following on the left: "Publish version 2: file change (automatic); major metadata change; or citation changes" "Authors, Title, Year, DOI, Repository, UNF, V2" To the right of the entire graphic is a separate rectangle with the following note: "Note: A published dataset cannot be deleted (it may only be withdrawn if a valid legal reason applies)."

Source: Dataverse Project Dataset + File Management — Dataverse.org

Once a dataset is published, it cannot be altered. If you need to update metadata or add new files, you can edit the dataset and upload the amendments. This will create a Draft version, which must be resubmitted for verification. Depending on the nature of the changes, the data steward will publish the dataset as: 

  • Version 1.1 – minor changes (e.g., small metadata updates)
  • Version 2.0 – major changes (e.g., adding a new file) 

The information about the current version is displayed at the top of the page or under the dataset title. Adding a new version does not affect the DOI identifier.