Research data can become at risk for a variety of reasons, and the risks can occur throughout the data’s lifecycle. It takes dedicated resources to ensure data can be preserved for the long term and be made available, accessible, and usable to all. At DataAtRisk.org (https://dataatrisk.org), we rely on “Data Mentors,” or people who are committed to protecting data from risk, to make data secure and facilitate data rescue activities.
During this session, the DataAtRisk team invites attendees to help us formalize the “Data Mentor” role and its responsibilities for our Data Nomination Tool. We will first clarify the key characteristics (or personas) for the “Data Mentor”. Based on these personas, we will use user stories to describe the types of data rescue activities that the “Data Mentors” need to prioritize. Further, using these pieces of information, we will build a realistic workflow that represents the amount of effort it takes for the “Data Mentor” when facilitating data rescue activities submitted via the Data Nomination Tool. Finally, we will determine if “Data Mentor” is the appropriate name for this role.
Data Nomination Tool facilitates community-driven rescue efforts for Earth and Environmental science data. Particularly, the web-based tool connects people who can provide long term data stewardship support with those who need the assistance. The tool is created and hosted by CloudBIRST (https://cloudbirst.com/, key contact: Joan Saez). DataAtRisk.org’s current members also consist of individuals from Earth Science Information Partners (see ESIP Partners here: https://www.esipfed.org/partners), Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries, and representatives from several University Research Libraries.
View Session Recording on YouTube.Session Take-Aways- Training for advocates and allowing advocates to participate at different levels
- Data coordinator / advocate requires many skills - and is the connector between provider and hero.
- There are other models to use such as zoouniverse and OpenStreetMaps that could inform skills, roles, and processes.