The Impact of Targeted Data Management Training for Field Research Projects – A Case Study

Authors

  • Jonathan L. Petters Data Services, University Libraries, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  • George C. Brooks Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  • Jennifer A. Smith Department of Environmental Science and Ecology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
  • Carola A. Haas Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5334/dsj-2019-043

Keywords:

Ecology, Wildlife Conservation, Libraries, Data Management, Field Research

Abstract

We present a joint effort at Virginia Tech between a research group in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Data Services in the University Libraries to improve data management for long-term ecological field research projects in the Florida Panhandle. Consultative research data management support from Data Services in the University Libraries played an integral role in the development of the training curriculum. Emphasizing the importance of data quality to the field workers at the beginning of this training curriculum was a vital part of its success. Also critical for success was the research group’s investment of time and effort to work with field workers and improve data management systems. We compare this case study to three others in the literature to compare and contrast data management processes and procedures. This case study serves as one example of how targeted training and efforts in data and project management for a research project can lead to substantial improvements in research data quality.

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Published

2019-09-04

Issue

Vol. 18 (2019)

Section

Practice Papers

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Copyright (c) 2019 The Author(s)

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