Navigating the Data Literacy Landscape: Connecting Institutions, Experts, and Services via Maps and Catalogues

In an increasingly data-driven research landscape, many institutions and individuals offer valuable data literacy helpdesks, consulting services and trainings. However, finding the right con-tact points remains a challenging task. Researchers and educators often struggle to identify who provides relevant support and where expertise is available. How can we make this information more accessible in a structured and intuitive way? This interactive presentation will focus on the role of mapping and cataloging tools in improving the visibility of data literacy experts and service providers. Building on insights from a work-shop during the Love Data Week 2025 [1] and a workshop focusing on data literacy [2] during the Themed Week Digital Competences in Science by the VolkswagenStiftung [3], we will explore ongoing efforts to create structured overviews of available resources. A particular fo-cus will be on the Competence Center for Interdisciplinary Data Science (Come2Data) and their mapping efforts [4] as well as the efforts by the NFDI Working Group RDM Helpdesk Network [5], which is currently preparing the Base4NFDI application Support4RDM, and their development of a Helpdesk Catalogue. These efforts highlight the potential of web-based solutions to connect users with relevant expertise, while also raising important questions about sustainability and standardization. Key discussion points will include: How can mapping and cataloging tools be designed for long-term usability? Ensuring that a platform remains up-to-date requires clear responsibilities, sustainable infra-structure, and automated or community-driven update mechanisms. Should institutions maintain their own entries, or is a centralized coordination team necessary? Can structured data sources like Wikidata, PIDs and/or ontologies be leveraged to reduce manual maintenance? We will discuss models for governance, community engagement, and technical solutions that can help keeping a data literacy platform accurate and relevant over time. What data sources and standards should be used? The use of Wikidata or other structured, public, and open databases—explicitly including datasets from the federal government, states, and municipalities—could allow for automated up-dates and broad participation, but consistency and data quality must be ensured. Through interactive discussions and expert insights, this session will explore practical strategies for making data literacy providers more accessible via mapping solutions. Participants will be invited to contribute their experiences and ideas on how best to structure, maintain, and expand such platforms. By the end of the session, attendees will have a clearer understanding of how mapping or cataloging can improve access to data literacy expertise and what steps are needed to create sustainable, user-friendly solutions. The session is a joint effort by the State Initiatives for Research Data Management of Lower Saxony and Saxony, FDM-NDS and SaxFDM as well as the Competence Center for Interdis-ciplinary Data Science – Come2Data and the NFDI consortium for agrosystems research: FAIRagro. [1] "Workshop: Datenkompetenz-Landkarte: Eine Übersicht über Initiativen und Helpdesks", https://events.academiccloud.de/event/54/overview [2] "Workshop: Datenkompetenz im Fokus: Angebote, Qualitätssicherung und Vernetzung", https://fdm-nds.de/index.php/en/workshop_datenkompetenz_eng/ [3] Themed Week "Digital Competences in Science", https://www.volkswagenstiftung.de/en/funding/funding-offer/themed-week-digital-competences-science-completed [4] Erik Lorenz and Franziska Korb-King, "Come2Data Landkarte – FAIRe Daten für freie Kar-ten", 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14850013 [5] Website of the Working Group RDM Helpdesk Network at https://www.nfdi.de/section-edutrain/working-group-rdm-helpdesk-network/?lang=en