Engaging Liaison Librarians: Identifying Impact of an Research Data Management Educational Intervention

Abstract

Research data management (RDM) support has developed in US academic libraries for nearly a decade following the 2011 National Science Foundation requirements for data sharing plans. The majority of these services have been undertaken by subject and liaison librarians, who face reskilling challenges and the need for continuing education in research data activities and subject expertise. Though introductory educational resources exist, little research has been conducted about how liaison librarians engage with this material; how their RDM work evolves over time; the efficacy of a given educational intervention; or their further educational needs or wants. The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Research Data Management Road Show curriculum was developed by the investigators. However, it’s efficacy in providing relevant educational material for liaison librarians who are engaging in research data management activities was untested.

To address this, the investigators developed a series of online surveys and recruited attendees of the Research Data Management Road Show. The attendees were asked, prior to Road Show attendance, to respond to a brief survey to assess current knowledge, behavior, and attitudes. Following their participation in the Road Show, attendees are invited to respond to surveys at 1 months and 6 months to identify changes in knowledge, behavior, and attitudes regarding research data management and perceived impact of the event. The first year data evaluates outcomes from eight Road Shows, seven held in the US and one at an international location, informing understanding of the self-identified RDM educational needs of liaison librarians.