Building Blocks: Laying the Foundation for a Research Data Management Program

Introduction

Many public funders require that grant recipients make data publically accessible, which makes good sense: research data is a substantial university asset. Often researchers and university administrators look to the library to support these needs.

Sometimes the library proactively seeks to fill the need. In many cases no additional funds or personnel are available for the development and provision of data support services, so the library has to start small, establishing a foundation on which to build.

This document is intended for those who are just beginning to offer data services to researchers at their universities. Part 1 assumes that very little, if anything, is in place, and that resources are limited. It seeks to guide the individual who has data management program responsibilities in directions that will lay a very basic foundation. Part 2 helps identify steps for building on that foundation as needs become evident and as resources allow.

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