Served on a Silver Platter working Towards an Academic Research Data Concierge Service

Michael A. Collura; Virginia A Dressler; Michael Hawkins; Michael Kavulic

doi:10.14429/djlit.39.06.14774

Michael A. Collura Kent State University, Kent , United States
Virginia A Dressler Kent State University, Kent , United States https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3169-4378
Michael Hawkins Kent State University, Kent , United States
Michael Kavulic Kent State University, Kent , United States https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1408-2831

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.39.06.14774

Keywords: research data lifecycle, Data science, Data management, Academic institutions, Services, Collaboration

Abstract

This article will discuss the development of a research concierge service aimed at supporting the unique data needs of researchers at each stage of the research lifecycle. Although based on work at one institution, a North American academic 4-year research university, the presented strategies are transferable to many different types of institutions. The concept behind this service emerged when staff members from the Office of Research, Information Technology, and University Libraries embarked on an endeavour, by way of a newly formed collaborative working group, to identify disparate research support services around campus. Steps will be suggested to assess and align existing support services as well as uncover gaps in service within an institution. A review of organisational models from other institutions with complementary services will also be included. The article will also examine the challenges faced by our institution in creating this collaborative group and the new service approach.

Author Biographies

Michael A. Collura, Kent State University, Kent , United States

Mr. Michael J. Collura is Assistant Dean for Technology & Branch Libraries at Kent State University Libraries. He leads teams that support library systems and information technology, makerspaces, statistical consulting services, and user experience. Michael holds an M.A.Ed. from the University of Akron and an MLIS from Kent State University.

Virginia A Dressler, Kent State University, Kent , United States

Mrs. Vriginia Dressler is the Digital Projects Librarian at Kent State University. Her specialty areas are project management of digital projects and reformatting of analog collections for open digital collections, including overseeing the Daily Kent Stater digital archive project (daily student newspaper) and working with the university’s unique collections. She holds an MLIS from Kent State University and MA in Art gallery and Museum Studies from the University of Leeds.

Michael Hawkins, Kent State University, Kent , United States

Mr. Michael Hawkins received his MLIS degree in 2012 and has been a residence librarian at Kent State University for five years and has been head of the Map Library as Kent State University for four years.

Michael Kavulic, Kent State University, Kent , United States

Dr Michael Kavulic is the Director of Research Strategic Initiatives at Kent State University where he also serves as an occasional instructor in Kent State’s Higher Education Administration program. He received his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University. Michael has 13 years of professional experience in higher education in areas including information technology, student affairs, facilities, and university governance.