From labourer to information service expert: FSD's journey in qualitative data archiving

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/iq1164

Abstract

This article explores the evolution of the Finnish Social Science Data Archive (FSD) in archiving qualitative research data. It highlights the initial challenges faced due to ethical concerns and methodological assumptions, and the gradual shift towards openness in qualitative research. The article discusses the influence of national and international policies, the role of ethical principles, and the impact of the open science movement in Finland. It also details the practical steps taken by FSD to facilitate data archiving, including the development of data management guidelines and the use of specific technical tools. The article underscores the importance of detailed guidance for researchers and the growing acceptance of qualitative data archiving within the research community.

Author Biography

Arja Kuula-Luumi, FSD

Chief Specialist

References

Burr, V., Bridger, A. J., Eastburn, S., Brown, P., Somerville, P., & Morris, G. (2024). The use of turning points in understanding homelessness transitions: A critical social psychological perspective. Housing, Theory and Society, 42(1), 23–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/14036096.2024.2328624

Bishop, L. (2005) Protecting respondents and enabling data sharing: Reply to Parry and Mauthner'. Sociology 39(2), 333–336. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038505050542

CESSDA. (2020, March 16). New open source application to assist in processing qualitative data. https://www.cessda.eu/News-Events/News/CESSDA/New-open-source-application-to-assist-in-processing-qualitative-data

Corti, L. (2006). Qualitative archiving and data sharing: Extending the reach and impact of qualitative data. IASSIST Quarterly, 29(3), 8-13. https://doi.org/10.29173/iq105

Federation of Finnish Learned Societies. (2020). Declaration for open science and research 2020–2025. https://doi.org/10.23847/isbn.9789525995251

Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK. (2019). The ethical principles of research with human participants and ethical review in the human sciences in Finland. https://tenk.fi/sites/default/files/2021-01/Ethical_review_in_human_sciences_2020.pdf

Finnish Social Science Data Archive. (n.d.). Data management guidelines. https://www.fsd.tuni.fi/en/services/data-management-guidelines/

Finnish Social Science Data Archive. (n.d.). Research methods guidebook. https://www.fsd.tuni.fi/en/services/research-methods-web-resource/

Finnish Social Science Data Archive. (n.d.). AI for verifying text file anonymisation: A powerful assistant under expert guidance. https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:fsd:V-202511250001

Kern, F. G., & Mustasilta, K. (2023). Beyond replication: Secondary qualitative data analysis in political science. Comparative Political Studies, 56(8), 1224–1256. https://doi.org/10.1177/00104140221139388

Kuula, A. (2011). Methodological and ethical dilemmas of archiving qualitative data. IASSIST Quarterly, 34(3–4), 12-17. https://doi.org/10.29173/iq455

Mauthner, N. S., Parry, O., & Backett-Milburn, K. (1998). The data are out there, or are they? Implications for archiving and revisiting qualitative data. Sociology, 32(4), 733–745. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038598032004006

Olson, J., & Pinto da Silva, P. (2024). Meaning across context: Oral histories, big data, and climate change. Weather, Climate, and Society, 16, 331-349. https://doi.org/10.1175/WCAS-D-23-0114.1

OECD. (2007). OECD principles and guidelines for access to research data from public funding. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264034020-en-fr

Richardson, J. C., & Godfrey, B. S. (2003). Towards ethical practice in the use of archived transcripted interviews. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 6(4), 347–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645570210142874

Downloads

Published

2026-03-30

How to Cite

Kuula-Luumi, A., Päivärinta, J., & Alaterä, T. (2026). From labourer to information service expert: FSD’s journey in qualitative data archiving. IASSIST Quarterly, 50(1). https://doi.org/10.29173/iq1164