The Magic of Research Data: Librarians Learning Secrets of Data Management

Abstract

Objective: Create a training program to increase library faculty knowledge of data management practices to facilitate developing a research agenda, collaboration with research community, and disseminating research findings. Methods: A librarian was selected to attend the Biomedical and Health Research Data Management for Librarians Course. The online course focused on data management topics including data curation, security, taxonomy, data sharing, resource data management, and publishing. The data management sills gained served as a foundation for instructional programming to enhance library faculty knowledgebase and explore potential library data management roles. The instructional program uses scaffolding by teaching an overview class and then integrating specific topics to meet institutional needs. Results: The librarian attendee developed a capstone template to help disseminate knowledge gained from the online course. The template facilitated the development of three goals: introduction of research data management basics, teaching targeted data management skills, and assessment of the research data management training program. The classes will be offered in late summer/early fall to health sciences and academic library faculty. A pre and post quiz will be distributed to determine knowledge gained. The librarian will collaborate with a new faculty position of Scholarship and Data Librarian to assess the level of data management services to be provided. The next phase is integrating data management services within embedded and liaison areas. Conclusions: Research Data Management is a natural fit for many librarians with a strong foundation in organizing, analyzing and providing access to information sources. The training program assists librarians to engage in the critical processes necessary for data sharing, scholarship, and research reproducibility.