Assessing the Academic Library's Role in Campus-Wide Research Data Management: A First Step at the University of Houston

Abstract

In an effort to support the University of Houston's goal of becoming a Carnegie-designated Tier One research university, several science librarians within the Department of Liaison Services have undertaken a study to assess current data management practices on campus. The goal of this study was to determine if data management needs are being met on campus and how the library might help meet those needs. We found that rather than physical storage capacity, researchers need assistance with funding agencies' data management requirements, the grant proposal process, finding campus data-related services, publication support, and targeted research assistance attendant to data management.

Keywords:

• dmp
• data
• data management
• data-support services
• interviews
• NSF
• University of Houston

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Robin Dasler for her assistance with the implementation of this pilot study. Previously the Science & Mathematics Librarian at the University of Houston, Robin has since moved on to a position as Information Services Librarian with LAC Group and is currently on contract to the NASA Goddard Library in Maryland.