Data Services Collaboration Team 

About the Library Data Services Collaboration Team 

The Library Data Services Collaboration Team, through library division/department representation, provides support and advice to the Data Services Librarian in support of the LDSP. The Data Services Collaboration Team assists and helps the Data Services Librarian prioritize the coordination and communication of the overarching direction, goals, and objectives of the Library Data Services Program. 

The team provides the library with a structured approach to unifying data support for researchers, students, and faculty. Additionally, members of the team communicate the direction, goals, and strategies of the Library Data Services Program to their library divisions, councils, and liaison departments (if applicable). Led in partnership with the Research Data Management Program, the team strives to address ways in which our data collections, data use and analysis, and instructional support can best incorporate practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Objectives and strategies

The team rechannels existing research data support/services that some librarians already provide extensively as part of their job and goals, to provide these services in a more cohesive manner as part of LDSP. The Data Collaboration Team could spin up informal, ad hoc subgroups to fulfill the goals and assignments for research data related projects that emerge from other groups, e.g. Collection Services Council, Collection Development Leadership Group, Cataloging and Metadata Council, etc. The team will advise the AUL for Digital Initiatives for Information Technology around challenges and opportunities related to data services directions and priorities. The team makes recommendations to the AUL for Digital Initiatives for Information Technology and LDSP and assists with implementation of activities that enable the realization of the following objectives and strategies.

  • Optimize the discoverability and acquisition of data for instruction and research purposes. The Data Services Librarian serves as the liaison between the Data Collaboration Team and Collection Services Council. 
    • Discuss data acquisition requests and new or forthcoming datasets or    analysis tools (e.g. TDM Studio from Proquest)
    • Identify and discuss data acquisition workflow issues as they arise
  • Create discipline agnostic guidance and support for data management inquiries that span the research lifecycle, including support for writing funder mandated data management plans and publishing and archiving data.
    • Stay abreast of new publisher and funder data management and sharing requirement.
    • Share opportunities for data management instruction and outreach
  • Develop a strategic approach to data analysis and literacy instruction that creates an inclusive learning environment.
    • Construct opportunities for novice learners to develop data analysis skills in a supportive environment
    • Identify opportunities to incorporate data literacy into course related library instruction
  • Provide support for basic data collection that includes text and data mining of library licensed resources.
    • Stay abreast of all text and data mining tools in relevant subject areas and provide basic support
  • Provide all librarians and staff with structured and unstructured learning opportunities for supporting data at UC Berkeley.
    • Maintain a campus-wide data service map for making correct referrals
    • Participate (as needed) in brown bags or open forums that serve as an inclusive space for discussing new tools or services 
    • Participate (as needed) in an annual Library Data Services Program Open Forum where all library staff are welcome to attend to learn about future plans and assess ongoing data support.

Membership

Membership will be reviewed every two years with library division heads. Division heads may recommend up to two librarians/staff from their division to serve on the Data Services Collaboration Team. For the initial launch, team membership was determined in consultation with division heads. 

Chairs

Data Services Librarian (Anna Sackmann) and RDM Service Lead (Erin Foster)

The Data Services Librarian and RDM Service Lead will facilitate the meetings. The agenda for each meeting will be sent out two days in advance and notes will be available for additional contributions following each meeting.

Salwa Ismail, Associate University Librarian for Digital Initiatives and Information Technology


Roster

  • Jim Church: Social Sciences
  • Lynn Cunningham: Arts & Humanities
  • Erin Foster: Research Data Management
  • Ann Glusker: Social Sciences
  • Salwa Ismail: AUL for DIIT
  • Bee Lehman: Arts & Humanities
  • Becky Miller: Life & Health Sciences
  • Susan Powell: Engineering & Physical Sciences
  • Anna Sackmann: Library Data Services Program
  • Hilary Schiraldi: Social Sciences
  • Elliott Smith: Life & Health Sciences
  • Sam Teplitzky: Engineering & Physical Sciences
  • Digital Lifecycle Program Coordinator (Vacant)

Note: The Data Services Librarian will consult with the Instruction Services Division Head at the start of each semester to identify shared goals and discuss emerging projects.  

Meeting schedule

The Data Services Collaboration Team meets on a quarterly basis during the months of August, November, February, and May

Email list

datacollabteam@lists.berkeley.edu