Simmons College

Scientific Research Data Mgmt

This course uses the case study method to prepare students from all academic backgrounds for roles in scientific research data management. It explores the current and emerging roles for information professionals in managing large or small volumes of research datasets across all disciplines. The course provides students with the skillset relevant to that of a data librarian whose job involves helping researchers manage and curate research datasets. The course examines the data practices of researchers in scientific fields such as biomedicine and engineering as examples of how researchers produce data and how they use these data for purposes of inquiry. Students learn about the purposes and tools of research data production and data reuse, data lifecycles and data reference interviews, data management practices, and the strategies of offering data consultancy services to researchers. Current issues regarding citing datasets, Open Access policies, and embedding the librarian as a member of a research team will also be addressed. The course will feature guest lectures by data scientists, data librarians and data archivists. Assignments include a series of case study assignments, data reference interviews with researchers, and the development of data reference interview tools and data management plans for real research projects