Situating Expertise in Practice: Domain-Based Data Management Training for Liaison Librarians

Abstract

The research data management team at the University of California, Berkeley implemented a domain-based Librarian Training Program in order to upskill liaison librarians in research data management principles and create a community of practice among librarians providing research data support. The training program partnered with representatives from each subject division of the Library to integrate content from relevant disciplines. The training model emphasized scaffolding and concrete deliverables, teaching specific tools and concepts, and creating learning objects useful for instruction and outreach. Employing a situated, learning-based, pedagogical model, the program was more successful than previous attempts at library-wide research data management training at Berkeley. This analysis details the program management, curricular design, instruction, and outcomes that made the Library Training Program successful.