Data services at the Social Science Library

SafePods and the SafePod Network

The SafePod Network (SPN) is a major new research innovation to provide and manage a network of standardised safe settings (SafePods) across the UK for data that requires secure access for research purposes. A SafePod provides the physical security and controls for a researcher to access such data and includes a door control access system, CCTV, wheelchair accessibility and a height adjustable desk with monitor.

All SafePods operate under the same policies and procedures and provide researchers, once accredited, with access to datasets from participating data centres and archives. This includes:

Booking the University of Oxford SafePod

The University of Oxford SafePod is in the Social Science Library and can be booked and used by researchers internal and external to the University. SafePod bookings must be made from the SPN website. Bookings cannot be made at the Social Science Library.

The University of Oxford SafePod is available 10am–4pm on weekdays, excluding periods when the Social Science Library is closed.

More information

For general enquiries about the SafePod Network, contact 01334 463901 or email safepodnetwork@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Data support

To support social scientists and others who need to gather and handle data, the library offers access to a number of tools. These are installed on PCs within the library and include:

ArcGIS

A software package - also known as ArcGIS Pro - that can be used by anyone working with data that includes geographical variables such as location, elevation and population density. It can be used to view and build mapped information as part of analysis, amend properties and fields in geospatial databases and generally manage such information. The software is installed on all SSL PCs. Access is available to all library readers with a Bodleian Libraries login.  

More information about ArcGIS is available via the Bodleian Data Service.

Guidance is also available on the ArcGIS website.

NVivo

The NVivo software is designed to organize, analyze and find insights in qualitative data. The software is installed on 5 SSL PCs near the issue desk (see staff). Access is available to all library readers with a Bodleian Libraries login.  

More information about NVivo is available via the Bodleian Data Service and on SOLO.

Guidance is also available on the NVivo website. The IT Learning Centre offers a range of resources for NVivo and NVivo can be purchased for personal use through IT Services.

SPSS

This software - also known as IBM SPSS Statistics - allows the editing and analysis of all types of quantitative data. It works with common file formats and can be used for formulaic analysis or graphing data. The software is installed on 5 SSL PCs near the issue desk (see staff). Access is restricted to current University members.

More information is available via the Bodleian Data Service and on the IBM SPSS Statistics website. Printed guides are available in the SSL or you can consult the IBM SPSS Statistics Introductory Guide (PDF, 519 KB). IT Services offer IBM SPSS Statistics training as part of their course catalogue and IBM SPSS Statistics can be purchased for personal use through the University store.