The Research Data Services Landscape: How Do You Start And Where Does Your Library Fit In?

This course is designed as an entry point for people unfamiliar with the field of research data services in libraries. The goal is to introduce what data services librarians work on and to present information on how learners can grow in this area. This includes mentioning other trainings offered by NNLM that would further their studies in data services. Learners will be able to describe the type of work done in data services and the subtopics found in data services.

Research data services (or RDS) covers a broad span of service types, service models, and approaches. It is crucial that those leading these efforts are aware of the needs of their institutions and the capabilities they have within their department or library as well as steps they can take to build expertise and scale services.

These materials provide an overview and history of RDS in libraries as well as current trends. They will also introduce strategies for developing and launching research data services either through hiring or through taking on a new position or new responsibilities. Ultimately, upon completion of the webinar, you will have greater understanding of the broad scope of RDS, including how data management, data curation, data science, GIS, and other common terms can be part of what you have to offer. Content last updated November 2025.

This resource is supported by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH) under cooperative agreement number UG4LM013732 with the University of Utah’s Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.