Report on the University Libraries ’ Data Management Needs Survey

As research becomes more data-intensive and collaborative, the University of Iowa is seeing a growing demand for data management skills and resources. Funding agencies are increasingly requiring that researchers include data management plans in new grant proposals, and many now require that research data be archived and shared in digital repositories. Using an online questionnaire, this study aimed to provide starting points to understand University of Iowa researchers ’ needs and concerns regarding data management. The All Faculty & Staff listserv was used to send a survey link to the target survey population, faculty and staff members at the University of Iowa who are directly involved in research (the exact number of target population is unknown). The survey was open from June 26, 2012 to September 18, 2012. A total of 784 responses, both partial and complete, to the survey, were received. Because participants were self-selecting and the exact target population is unknown, this total should not be interpreted as a representative sample of the University research community. The 13-question survey included questions on types of data, sensitive or confidential data, funding agencies, data management plan requirement, data storage or sharing, and where researchers get assistance and guidance for data management and organization. The survey results illustrate a range o