Data Reference In Depth: Access, Citation and Instruction

How does providing access to data, as a unique format, affect library reference services? This session will provide some answers to that question by exploring how three data librarians have built upon traditional approaches to reference work. First, Paul Bern will look into how data librarians craft the tools they use to guide researchers and answer questions with special focus on deciding which sources to put out there as a starting point for users and the process of evolving from a list of sources to a catalog of sources. Next, Hailey Mooney will consider how the seemingly simple request of bibliographic verification can be complicated by data citation practices. This will be investigated through a citation analysis of datasets used by faculty at a major research university. Finally, Kristin Partlo will look at how the data reference interview is especially crucial in the provision of research assistance, from the viewpoint of working with undergraduates at a small liberal arts college.