This article examines the management of microdata collections in a university context. It is a cross-country analysis: Collection management at data services in Canada and South Africa are considered. The case studies are of two university sub-contexts: One collection is located in a library; the other at a Faculty-based Data Service. Stages in the management of microdata collections in the two settings are presented through a Microdata Service Model. The case studies inform best practices in the handling of the microdata life-cycle. Best practices require relevant expertise, and the authors also attempt to define relevant skills-sets for microdata collection managers.