Software for research
Different tools can simplify the organisation, analysis and documentation of data during the research process. Popular programs include those for transcription and translation, reference management, qualitative analysis, or the organisation and labelling of images. Some programs are easy to use, others require more time to learn which can be one important factor to consider when selecting which software is best suited for a particular study. It is also important to review the terms and conditions for a certain program, any costs, what formats are available, import/export capabilities, as well as where the data is saved. As a general rule, it is not advisable to use programs where the data is saved in a cloud.
How to find a tool
Employees at Lund University can find programs that are included in Lund University’s campus agreements via Software Center (Windows) or Self Service (Mac). Note that all contractual programs cannot be used for all purposes, for instance, some are unsuitable for processing personal data.
There are also many freely available tools. Several popular programs often used for research purposes are open source and can be downloaded and used without internet connection if necessary.
- AI-based transcription service provided by the IT Unit at the HT faculties (see more information below).
- EndNote – reference management program, see more information at https://www.htbibl.lu.se/en/researcher/reference-management-programs/
- NVivo – a program for qualitative data analysis (QDA), for example interviews. The HT Faculties does not provide support in using the program, but a few other faculties may have spare course slots available.
- OpenRefine – Open source, tool for cleaning messy data to facilitate analysis and visualization: https://openrefine.org/
- Tropy – Open source, makes it easier to describe and organise images: https://tropy.org/
- Voyant Tools is a web-based text reading and analysis environment. Go to Voyant Server for a downloadable version which makes it possible to use the tool without an internet connection: https://voyant-tools.org/docs/#!/guide/server
Secure AI Transcription Kiosk
At the LUX Library, on the first floor next to the textbooks, a free transcription service is available. With an easy-to-use interface, audio files are transcribed locally on a computer without an internet connection, thus ensuring secure handling of files containing personal data or other sensitive information. Files must be brought on an external hard drive or USB stick formatted as exFAT or FAT32, and an LU card is needed to log in to the service. Once you retrieve your files, they are automatically deleted from the kiosk.
The kiosk supports transcription in over 90 languages. Transcription takes approximately one-third of the audio file's length. A 60-minute recording is therefore typically completed after about 20 minutes. You can choose to wait on-site or return later to retrieve your files. Files are stored encrypted for 24 hours. Thereafter, they are automatically deleted if not retrieved. No one can access the files without your LU card and the same USB stick used during the upload. For employees, the kiosk is also available at the IT-Frontdesk at LUX. Please feel free to contact the IT unit for any questions!
Faculty Support
Research Support
If a certain program is not currently available, contact Research Support with a description of the requirements, and we will investigate possible options: forskningsstodhtbibl.luse.
Lund University Humanities Lab
A university-wide research infrastructure and one of the University's three Core Facilities, providing access to various types of measurement instruments, digital research tools and materials, as well as support in methodological expertise and data management. The LU Humanities Lab also offers several courses and group tutorials, for more information go HumLab’s website.
The IT Unit
For questions concerning for example purchasing and using hardware or installation of software, please contact the IT Unit: it@ht.lu.se.