Information for Research Site Maintainers

Western Technology Service (WTS) is actively exploring an additional research storage solution (e.g. REDCap) for ACTIVE research data. The deadline to maintain ACTIVE research data in OWL Sakai is being extended from April 30, 2026, until a new solution is available.

  • In order to be eligible to continue storing ACTIVE research data in OWL Sakai beyond April 30, your research project site must be claimed through the project site claim process. Only site maintainers can complete this action.
  • If the site is not claimed as an active research site, access will be removed on April 30, 2026.

Why Claim your Research Project Site?

Claiming your research project site is the only way to:

  • Retain access to your ACTIVE research project sites after April 30, 2026,
  • Receive support for transitioning your ARCHIVE research project sites to archive solutions if needed, and
  • Be included in updates about the new research storage solution.

About the Research Project Site Claim Process

When completing the claims process, you will identify your project site as either “Research – Active Use” or “Research – Archive Only”.

Claim your Research Project Site

If your site is Research – Active Use: 

You can continue to store ACTIVE research data in OWL Sakai beyond April 30, 2026, while the new solution is implemented. Claiming your site ensures you will be included in communications about new research data solutions and will maintain access to your active research data until the new solution is available.

If your site is Research – Archive Only: 

If your site is no longer active and only needs to be retained as an ARCHIVE, you must move content out of OWL Sakai by April 30, 2026.

One-on-one archiving support is already available through Western Libraries Research Data Management options. The WTS Helpdesk can assist with exporting content if needed.

I’ve already claimed my site. What are my next steps?

In the coming weeks, WTS will contact site maintainers who previously claimed their project sites as “Research” to confirm whether each site should be classified as Research – Active Use or Research – Archive Only.  

  • If your site is Research – Active Use, no further action is required at this time. You will receive updates once the new solution is available.
  • If your site is Research – Archive Only, please begin moving your content to alternate solutions ahead of the April 30, 2026 access removal date. Contact Western Libraries or the WTS Helpdesk for assistance.