PURR has been publishing open access datasets in our online repository since 2011. In 2021, PURR added new functionality to register datasets that, for one reason or another, cannot be deposited in our repository.

Registered datasets may be:

• too large to publish online
• available through another website
• restricted due to sensitive or proprietary content
• or even physical specimens

Like published datasets, registered datasets receive a citation and DOI, and are indexed by search engines. Whereas published datasets are available for download on PURR’s website, registered datasets are listed in PURR’s catalog along with a brief data accessibility statement articulating where and how to access the data.

All registration requests go through a curatorial review to ensure the registered dataset is:

• fixed – although there may be subsequent versions, registered datasets should remain available and unchanged
• accessible in some way even if access is restricted
• well described
• original, or if compiled from public data, of distinct scholarly value
• stewarded – PURR will periodically check registered datasets to ensure they remain accessible