Getting Started

What are "restricted-use" data? Federal agencies collect survey data containing individually identifiable information, which is confidential and protected by law. The terms restricted-use data and "subject data" are used to refer to data of this type.

Why would I want restricted-use data? Micro record data files typically made available to the public have been anonymised. That is, the individually identifiable information has been coded or deleted to protect the confidentiality of survey respondents. Some research projects require a level of detail that is lost in the process of protecting individually identifiable data. IES uses the restricted-use license as a mechanism for making more detailed data available to qualified researchers.

Why is a license necessary? There is a set of laws that provide for the security and privacy of personal data maintained by the Federal Government (Privacy Act of 1974, as amended and Computer Security Act of 1987). In addition, the specific law that authorizes IES to conduct research and evaluations and to collect, analyze, and disseminate education data, requires IES to protect the confidentiality of individually identifiable information (Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002).

What does a license mean? IES loans restricted-use data only to qualified organizations in the United States. Individual researchers must apply through an organization (e.g., a university, a research institution, or company). To qualify, an organization must provide a justification for the need for the restricted use data, submit the required documents, agree to keep the data safe from unauthorized disclosures at all times, and agree to participate fully in unannounced, unscheduled inspections by IES Data Security Officials to ensure compliance with the terms of the license and the security procedures and plan.