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Quantitative data collection in the UK can be traced back to 1086 with the Domesday Survey however it is only in recent history that the acquisition, distribution and analysis of quantitative data in digital format has been possible. 1967 saw the establishment of the UK Data Archive at the University of Essex. The mid 1980s saw the emergence of Edinburgh University Data Library and Oxford Data Library (Nuffield College), and more recently the London School of Economics (LSE) Data Library and the LSE Research Laboratory Data Service. Based at tertiary education institutions these specialised libraries have evolved independently to assist researchers and teachers in the use of quantitative data for analysis and research purposes. Thus whether by design or accident the data librarian was born in the UK. In this digital age with increased IT literacy, technological exposure and expectancy the data librarian's role is ever more confusing and difficult to identify. This paper will discuss the differing areas of expertise within the UK data libraries, the role of the Data Information Specialists Committee – UK (DISC-UK), in addition to the role played by other information staff which identify them as potential or 'accidental' data librarians from 'non-data library' institutions.