# Overview

Research repositories are online platforms that store, manage, and make accessible
research data, outputs, and materials. The types of research repositories can range
from institutional repositories, subject-specific repositories, data repositories,
and others. They can vary in terms of their focus, features, policies, and services
offered. Using a research repository ensures that research outputs are easily discoverable
and accessible, and helps to increase the impact and visibility of research.

## Types of repositories

- **Institutional repositories:** repositories managed by universities, research
institutions, or other organisations, that store and provide access to research output
produced by their members.

- **Disciplinary repositories:** repositories focused on a specific research discipline
or area of study, often maintained by a professional society or association.

- **Multi-disciplinary repositories:** repositories that store and provide access
to research output from a broad range of disciplines and areas of study.

- **Pre-print repositories:** repositories that provide access to pre-prints or pre-publication
versions of research papers, allowing authors to share their work with peers before
it is formally published.

- **Data repositories:** repositories that store and provide access to research data
and other forms of research output, including software, models, and other research-related
materials.

    :::{note}
    If your publication workflows require the use of specific data repositories,
    then those should always be used. If a specific repository is not provided, researchers
    can use [re3data](#re3data) to search for discipline-specific repositories. If
    no suitable repository is found, the [opendata@uni-kiel](https://opendata.uni-kiel/)
    repository can be used. Keep in mind, that it is only for open access publications.
    :::

## Kiel University repositories

Repository | Description | Type
---------- | ----------- | ----
[MACAU](./macau.md) | Open Access Repository of Kiel University | {bdg-primary}`Publication repository`
[opendata@uni-kiel](./opendata.md) | Open Research Data Repository of Kiel University | {bdg-primary}`Data repository` {bdg-primary}`Institutional repository`

## re3data

[re3data](https://www.re3data.org/) is a global registry of research data repositories
that helps researchers find the right repository to store and share their research
data. In a CRC, using re3data can be very helpful in ensuring that the research data
is stored in a suitable repository that meets the necessary standards and requirements
for preservation, accessibility, and reuse. Researchers can search the re3data database
for repositories that specialise in their field of research and compare features
and services to determine the best fit. This can also help in making sure that the
research data is deposited in a repository with a long-term commitment to data preservation
and access.

By using re3data and the right repositories, researchers at a CRC can ensure that
their publications are properly stored, preserved, and accessible to the wider academic
community.