The Informatics Transform: Re-Engineering Libraries for the Data Decade

TLDR

The paper investigates how libraries can transform to meet data‑centric research needs, outlines five assertions for change, and proposes solutions to address critical capacity gaps. The authors deconstruct the research lifecycle, outline ten data‑support services libraries can provide, and unpack institutional roles for research data management, building on a prior framework. The study identifies critical capacity and capability gaps in research data management and proposes innovative steps to address the significant skills gaps.

Abstract

In this paper, Liz Lyon explores how libraries can re-shape to better reflect the requirements and challenges of today’s data-centric research landscape. The Informatics Transform presents five assertions as potential pathways to change, which will help libraries to re-position, re-profile, and re-structure to better address research data management challenges. The paper deconstructs the institutional research lifecycle and describes a portfolio of ten data support services which libraries can deliver to support the research lifecycle phases. Institutional roles and responsibilities for research data management are also unpacked, building on the framework from the earlier Dealing with Data Report. Finally, the paper examines critical capacity and capability challenges and proposes some innovative steps to addressing the significant skills gaps.