The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Data Curation Network (DCN) have announced a call for expressions of interest from five US-based academic libraries to participate in a research project focused on understanding the institutional costs of public access to research data. This initiative, funded by the US Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Leadership Grant LG-254930-OLS-23, aims to shed light on the financial implications of federal data sharing policies and the resources required for compliance.
Interested libraries are invited to complete the expression of interest form by May 31, 2024, with selected participants expected to be notified of acceptance by June 28, 2024. The research project will span from approximately September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026, and will build upon prior analyses conducted during the Realities of Academic Data Sharing (RADS) Initiative.
Libraries at academic institutions receiving federal funding for research are encouraged to apply, with a particular emphasis on institutions representing diverse backgrounds and levels of research activity, including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs). Even libraries in the early stages of developing research data management services are encouraged to participate.
The research cohort will be supported by the RADS team in conducting analyses to address key questions, including different service and cost models for research data management, direct expenses to institutions and researchers for compliance with federal data sharing policies, and the overall impact on research data management services.
To provide further insights into the project and its benefits, an information session will be held on April 29, 2024, featuring presentations from Shawna Taylor (Association of Research Libraries), Mikala Narlock (Data Curation Network), and Jennifer Moore (Washington University in St. Louis). This session will offer an overview of the research conducted thus far and outline expectations for participating institutions.
Libraries selected to join the research project will receive various benefits, including complementary institutional membership into the Data Curation Network, travel support for in-person events, administrative assistance for conducting interviews and surveys, and dedicated time from a DCN staff member to support local research data management services.
Interested libraries must submit the expression of interest form by May 31, 2024, and are encouraged to attend the information session on April 29, 2024, to learn more about the project.
Click here to read the original press release.
