Exploring Disciplinary Differences in Data Management Practices

Abstract

Our poster will compare and contrast the differences in requirements and practice of data management plans in the broad disciplinary fields of life sciences and health sciences. We will discuss the similarities and differences in both the researchers’ attitudes and approaches to data management plans, the potential barriers to adoption, and practical strategies for librarians to address these potential needs and obstacles. Further, we will consider differences in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) data management requirements and how they impact researchers, including faculty members, post-docs, students, and staff.

The libraries at our large, research university are in the process of collecting information about researchers’ data management needs in a variety of disciplines. Further, we are reviewing researchers’ submitted data management plans in order to examine trends and potential opportunities for service development. We are examining the broad differences both between and within disciplines, in order to better equip both researchers and library staff to develop better data management practices. To that end, we are currently developing more robust training for both researchers and library staff in order to address identified areas of need and create a culture shift where data management becomes an integrated part of researchers’ work flow.