A model for initiating research data management services at academic libraries

Authors

  • Kevin B. Read NYU Health Sciences Library, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7511-9036
  • Jessica Koos Health Sciences Library, Stony Brook University
  • Rebekah S. Miller Falk Library, Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Cathryn F. Miller Gumberg Library, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Gesina A. Phillips Hillman Library, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Laurel Scheinfeld Health Sciences Library, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
  • Alisa Surkis Health Sciences Library, New York University (NYU) School of Medicine, New York, NY http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9777-2693

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2019.545

Keywords:

Data Management, Data Education, Data Services, Data Interviews, Data Science

Abstract

Background: Librarians developed a pilot program to provide training, resources, strategies, and support for medical libraries seeking to establish research data management (RDM) services. Participants were required to complete eight educational modules to provide the necessary background in RDM. Each participating institution was then required to use two of the following three elements: (1) a template and strategies for data interviews, (2) a teaching tool kit to teach an introductory RDM class, or (3) strategies for hosting a data class series.

Case Presentation: Six libraries participated in the pilot, with between two and eight librarians participating from each institution. Librarians from each institution completed the online training modules. Each institution conducted between six and fifteen data interviews, which helped build connections with researchers, and taught between one and five introductory RDM classes. All classes received very positive evaluations from attendees. Two libraries conducted a data series, with one bringing in instructors from outside the library.

Conclusion: The pilot program proved successful in helping participating librarians learn about and engage with their research communities, jump-start their teaching of RDM, and develop institutional partnerships around RDM services. The practical, hands-on approach of this pilot proved to be successful in helping libraries with different environments establish RDM services. The success of this pilot provides a proven path forward for libraries that are developing data services at their own institutions.

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Published

2019-07-01

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Section

Case Report