Science Data Literacy

Science Data Literacy

Science Data Literacy is the ability to effectively work with data in the sciences. Jian Qin and John D’Ignazio describe Science Data Literacy as the "knowledge and skills involved in collecting, processing, managing, evaluating, and using data for scientific inquiry. Although there are similarities in information literacy and digital literacy, science data literacy specifically focuses less on literature-based attributes and more on functional ability in data collection, processing, management, evaluation, and use ... This emphasis on operational skills coincides with the practice-based production, operation, and use of digital datasets during scientific research." Qin, Jian, & D'Ignazio, John. (2010). Lessons learned from a two-year experience in science data literacy education. Purdue University.

Learning Needs

• Crossing That Bridge We Have Come to: Teaching Students How to Manage Qualitative Data (2013) – Interview with Julie McLeod and Susan Childs, developers of DATUM for Health online RDM course at UK’s Northumbria University about managing qualitative data and advice for librarians on RDM instruction.
• A Study of Faculty Data Curation Behaviors and Attitudes at a Teaching-Centered University (2012) – Information regarding faculty researchers' data curation practices, attitudes, and learning needs from a Cal Poly study. Of particular interest are the study results, raised awareness of study participants and new models at Cal Poly for campus collaboration.
• The Data Management Skills Support Initiative: Synthesising Postgraduate Training in Research Data Management (2012) – While much of the paper’s focus is on a comparison of two UK research data management training frameworks, authors’ findings are helpful for librarians and faculty looking to integrate research data mgmt instruction to students across disciplines.
• The Fractured Lab Notebook: undergraduates and ecological data management training in the United States (2012) – Discusses results of survey sent to 48 major educational institutions about coverage of data management topics in undergraduate ecology courses.
• Research supervisors and information literacy (2011) – Report on results of a UK Research Information Network (RIN) study on the impact research supervisors have on graduate students’ information literacy. The In this report, the term information literacy encompasses the recording, managing and handling of data.
• Lessons learned from a two year experience in Science Data Literacy education – Describes authors’ experience and lessons learned from teaching a Science Data Management course at Syracuse University to undergraduate and graduate science and technology students.

Courses

• Guidelines for Responsible Data Management in Scientific Research – Developed by the Office of Research Integrity at the US Dept. of Health and Human Resources, this online course on conducting responsible data management in scientific research is targeted for new investigators and those new to the research process.
• Data Management for Clinical Research – A six-week Coursera online course that will be offered in Spring 2013. Taught by Vanderbilt University biomedical informatics faculty, the course will focus on critical concepts and practical methods to support research data planning, collection, storage and dissemination.
• Data Management Course – Designed by librarians at the University of Minnesota, this seven module course is designed for graduate students in the structural and civil engineering disciplines.
• University of New Mexico Environmental Information Management Institute – A three-week course to be held in June 2013 at the University of New Mexico. Intended for MS students with BS in biology, geology, ecology, or other environmental sciences, environmental engineering, geography, or science librarianship.
• Managing and Sharing Data (2011) – Comprehensive guide for researchers on data management best practices, created by the UK Data Archive.
• DataONE Data Management Education Modules – Educational modules geared towards earth scientists but broad enough for use in other science disciplines. Topics include metadata, data sharing, citation, and the data lifecycle.
• Research Data MANTRA (2011) – A JISC funded project in the UK, the MANTRA project has developed online modules and learning materials about best research data management practices in social science, clinical psychology, and geosciences.
• DATUM for Health: Research Data Management Training for Health Studies (2011) – Project funded by JISC and developed by UK universities, DATUM for Health has developed research data management training materials for postgraduate research students in the health disciplines.
• Frameworks for Data Management Curriculum – Flexible framework of lesson plans, research cases, readings, and assessments for seven learning modules for teaching data management to undergraduate and graduate students in the sciences, health sciences and engineering. Content addresses National Science Foundation requirements for data management plans.
• Science Data Literacy Project, the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University – Syllabus for science data management course.

Last updated: 04/25/2013 10:41:51