I received a "could not be delivered" message for the following so I am sending again.  I apologize if you've already seen it.

As a small not-for-profit, I find that we are always a bit behind in the area of policy development.  We have a policy on the retention of data, but this policy doesn't address what I consider to be two very important issues (access and ownership).  I've looked over COGR's 1996 document entitled "Policy Considerations: Access to and Retention of Research Data" which suggests that a lot of institutions have dealt with the issues of access and retention, but not that of custody, ownership, or transfer of data.  I intend to expand our policy to address these issues.  What position have you taken on custody and ownership?  Does ownership differ based on the type of data?  Is anyone willing to share their policy with me for reference?  Are there any other good sources of information on this topic out there?  As always, thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Diane

Diane Austin, CRA
Mgr., Research Review/Reg. Affairs
Marshfield Clinic
Division of Research
1000 N. Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
Phone:  715-387-9134
Fax:  715-389-3131
Email:  xxxxxx@mfldclin.edu