The Data Science Opportunity: Crafting a Holistic Strategy |
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| Authors: | Dan Maxwell Hannah Norton Joe Wu |
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| Institution: | 1. Informatics Librarian, University of Florida Marston Science Library, Gainesville, FL, USA;2. Reference &3. Liaison Librarian, University of Florida Health Science Center Libraries, Gainesville, FL, USA;4. Bioinformationist, University of Florida Health Science Center Libraries, Gainesville, FL, USA |
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| Abstract: | The rise of data-driven research and discovery may be one of the greatest strategic opportunities to confront academic libraries in a generation. The argument advanced in this article is that the data science opportunity is about data curation AND data analysis. Thus the development of a holistic data science strategy ought to include both elements. Up until now, academic libraries have largely responded to the data science opportunity from a curatorial and archiving perspective. However, this is beginning to change. The case for crafting a holistic data science strategy is presented in six parts in this article. In part one, a broad overview of the data science opportunity is presented, followed by a definition of data analysis and data curation in part two. The traditional academic library response (curation) and a reframing of it to include data analysis are then presented in two separate parts. And finally, part five reports findings from a recent survey conducted at the University of Florida (UF) which indicates robust demand for training in analytical tools and technologies. The article concludes with some thoughts on the challenges of offering data analysis services, using the UF experience to highlight key issues. |
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| Keywords: | informatics research services data science |
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