1 Cambridge University Library Funded by ‘a step by step approach to improving and increasing research data curation practice’ Laura Molloy, HATII, University

1Cambridge University Library

Funded by

‘a step by step approach to improving and increasingresearch data curation practice’

Laura Molloy, HATII, University of Glasgow

On behalf of:Lesley Freiman, Catharine Ward (University of Cambridge)

Sarah Jones, Laura Molloy, Kellie Snow (University of Glasgow)

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PEKin workshop, Kings College London, 21 October 2010 Follow our work! Blog: http://incrementalproject.wordpress.com. Twitter: @JISCincremental

Incremental project: objectives

• Scoping work and supporting research

• Develop plan to address reported issues

• Create and pilot tools and services

• Embed findings and resources in partner universities; also share with other UK universities

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Scoping study: method

Glasgow (2009):

Archaeology

Chemistry

Engineering

English

Public Health

Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

• Based on HATII electronic records study• Semi-structured interviews• Similar departments to allow comparison

Cambridge (2010):

Archaeology

Chemistry

Engineering

English

Public Health

Biology (Scott Polar Research Institute)

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Scoping study: five areas of concern to researchers

1. Creating and managing files2. Storage and back-up3. Preservation and re-use 4. Data sharing5. Existing guidance and training

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1. Creating and managing files

• Volume of data now being created• Researchers keen to keep everything• File naming and folder structures,

particularly on shared drives

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2. Storage and back-up

• Remote storage• Ad hoc storage• Pros and cons of different storage strategies

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3. Preservation and re-use

• Selection for preservation• File formats for preservation• Obsolescence

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4. Data sharing

• Researchers interested in sharing but have concerns

• Emotional relationship with data

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5. Existing guidance and training

• Problems with existing guidance• Fitting in training at the right time• Researchers not engaged with the topic

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Scoping study: the big themes

• Main concerns not discipline-specific

• Similar concerns voiced at Cambridge and Glasgow

• Simple issues often cause problems

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More background research

• Russell Group website survey

• Interviews with professional services staff

• Researcher observations

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Four recommendations

http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/preservation/incremental/

documents/Incremental_Scoping_Report_1

70910.pdf

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1. Produce simple guidance on creating, storing and managing data

We’re creating a group of simple data management webpages including categorised links to and brief notes about:

• existing local and external resources

• new resources created for the project

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1. Produce simple guidance on creating, storing and managing data (cont.)

•Producing simple guidance on creating, storing and managing data, e.g. fact sheets, FAQs, flow diagrams, checklists for users, as well as elements that can be dropped into existing training

•Language important: avoid use of specialist records management/preservation terminology as far as possible

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2. Offer practical training resources with discipline-specific examples

• Creating modular slides/resources that can be dropped into other courses

• Working with researchers to document their experiences, case studies etc.

• Provide online training materials and tutorials

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3. Connect researchers with support staff for tailored advice and partnering

• Raise awareness of existing support staff and services through data management portals and outreach

• Offer on-to-one support to help researchers define best approach for their context

• Build links with research office to point researchers to relevant support when apply for grants

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4. Development of a comprehensive data management infrastructure

Cambridge University Library

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Thank you for your attention.

[email protected]

Documents

1 Cambridge University Library Funded by ‘a step by step approach to improving and increasing research data curation practice’ Laura Molloy, HATII, University