Abstract
This paper examines the role, functions and value of the “iSchool†as an agent of change in the data informatics and data curation arena. A brief background to the iSchool movement is given followed by a brief review of the data decade, which highlights key data trends from the iSchool perspective: open data and open science, big data and disciplinary data diversity. The growing emphasis on the shortage of data talent is noted and a family of data science roles identified. The paper moves on to describe three primary functions of iSchools: education, research intelligence and professional practice, which form the foundations of a new Capability Ramp Model. The model is illustrated by mini-case studies from the School of Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh: the immersive (laboratory-based) component of two new Research Data Management and Research Data Infrastructures graduate courses, a new practice partnership with the University Library System centred on RDM, and the mapping of disciplinary data practice using the Community Capability Model Profile Tool. The paper closes with a look to the future and, based on the assertion that data is mission-critical for iSchools, some steps are proposed for the next data decade: moving data education programs into the mainstream core curriculum, adopting a translational data science perspective and strengthening engagement with the Research Data Alliance.
Highlights
This paper examines the role, functions and value of the “iSchool” as an influential and effective agent of change in the data informatics and data curation arena
The group continued to expand from 2003 onwards; the Deans were united by their common view of the breadth of scope of “Information Sciences” and how best to communicate this view to the wider academic community, recognising that there were intersects with areas such as computer science and telecommunications, and a strong “trans-disciplinary” dimension (Larsen, 2010)
The iSchools comprise a mix of information-centric academic departments and Schools, including Library and Information Science, Information Systems, Computer Science etc
Summary
This paper examines the role, functions and value of the “iSchool” as an influential and effective agent of change in the data informatics and data curation arena. The second section will articulate a Capability Ramp Model for iSchools, based on three primary iSchool functions: education, research intelligence and professional practice.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have