The Research Data Management Workbook: Building a Collection of Data Management Exercises to Bridge Data Information Literacy and Data Management Implementation

Objective: There are limited opportunities and resources for data information literacy at small universities, requiring instructors to make the most of the time they have in the classroom. This article describes the creation of a collection of data management exercises, collectively called The Research Data Management Workbook, which supplement one-shot instruction and help students implement specific data management tasks. Methods: Exercises were developed using backward design and authentic assessment, with the goal of scaffolding data management implementation yet allowing for customization to research workflows. Exercises cover activities across data lifecycle and take the form of worksheets, checklists, and procedures. The exercises were collectively formatted as a book using the tool bookdown. Results: For a one-hour library session, students can work through one or two exercises during class and the instructor can refer to specific exercises for follow up on various data management topics. The exercises have also proved useful for consultation, as a researcher can develop an understanding of a way to address the data problem ahead of a more in-depth consultation. Conclusions: The workbook has been a useful supplement to limited data management instruction time at a small university. Further work needs to be done to quantify the efficacy of this form of data information literacy.