Engaging Communities to Build a Culture of Data Mutualism with Limited Resources

This chapter, "Engaging Communities to Build a Culture of Data Mutualism with Limited Resources," from Data Culture in Academic Libraries: A Practical Guide to Building Communities, Partnerships, and Collaborations (Association of College and Research Libraries, 2025), explores how Florida International University Libraries developed a scalable and collaborative approach to research data management within a resource-constrained environment. The authors introduce the concept of "data mutualism," a symbiotic relationship where the library supports data literacy, research consultation, and infrastructure while benefiting from enhanced institutional research outputs. Through grassroots initiatives, interdisciplinary collaborations, and strategically leveraging existing resources, the library cultivated a data-savvy community and expanded its capacity to meet evolving research needs. Key initiatives discussed include the establishment of the Digital Scholar Studio, the development of an institutional data repository, and the implementation of targeted workshops and consultations. The chapter concludes with strategies for scaling services, fostering a university-wide data culture, and aligning library efforts with institutional priorities and global data trends.