Data Management at the University of Arizona: Working Across Campus to Develop Support and Services

Abstract

In January 2011, the National Science Foundation instituted a requirement that all grant proposals include a data management plan. In response, many academic libraries began to focus on developing library services that support storing and curating data in order to increase research productivity. The University of Arizona, with the Libraries taking a lead, wanted to look at how the campus could support researchers as they developed data management plans. With the goal of making substantial advances in this area, the Dean of Libraries designated 1 FTE librarian for data management, and the Dean and Vice-President for Research (VPR) established the Campus Data Management and Curation Advisory Committee with members from the Libraries, VPR's office, and faculty regarding data management, the Campus Committee's charge and recommendations (including what units need to collaborate), progress made, next steps, and useful tools and initiatives to keep an eye on.