Embedding immersive informatics research data management within the iSchool curriculum: a laboratory-based action research Case Study

Academic libraries are repositioning, restructuring and reskilling staff to take on new roles in research data management (Lyon 2012, Webster 2012). These roles embrace elements of data stewardship, data management, data science and data visualization (Lyon & Takeda 2012). iSchools and Library Schools are introducing data curation into the curriculum, to prepare students for these roles. This paper presents a Case Study where an “immersive” approach to teaching research data management (RDM) constructs, is embedded within a Doctoral Seminar Program and an MLIS Special Topic at the University of Pittsburgh iSchool. \ud The methodology builds on the initial immersive informatics pilot study, where a novel RDM training course was developed and delivered in a partnership with the University of Melbourne (Shadbolt et al, 2014). The immersive informatics concept is based on the placement of students within a research environment i.e. faculty science laboratory, during the course. The placement facilitates a bilateral exchange of RDM experience, questions and knowledge, between the LIS student and the practicing research scientist.\ud The paper also provides reflections on the relevance of this education for future service development, within the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries.\u