1 Cambridge University Library Developing disciplinary focussed data management training courses in Archaeology and Social Anthropology Lindsay Lloyd-Smith, Irene Peano, and Elin Stangeland Cambridge University Library JISC MRD Programme Workshop, Birmingham, 29 th March, 2011

2 Cambridge University Library Aims and Objectives The broad aim of the DataTrain project is to improve research data management training available within UK HEIs, by providing exemplars and resources for others to use. Investigate current data curation practices and requirements within the Departments of Archaeology and Social Anthropology. Design data management course modules based on the requirements identified. Pilot the new data management course modules. Embed the course modules within each department. Deliver resources and findings to the ADS, DCC and JISC for wider dissemination and use.

3 Cambridge University Library Context Departments keen to meet research support requirements for their post-graduate students Tailor data management training guidelines and requirements to specific disciplines and their methods Courses which are seen as useful and interesting by students Ascertain that courses are embedded within the departments

4 Cambridge University Library Approach: Similarities and Differences Research-student focused courses led by recent Cambridge PhDs Overlaps in the kinds of data produced through research Discipline focused - leads to different emphases in data management Anthropology Often individual, self-reflexive research (especially at PhD level) Ethos of private data, and problems with informed consent model Non-visual presentations (except for photographs, quotes and sometimes video) One-day interactive workshop Archaeology Often collaborative inter-disciplinary research Ethos of data sharing and historical significance of research data Image rich powerpoint presentations 4 x 2 hr sessions

5 Cambridge University Library Data Management in Archaeology 4 X 2 hr sessions for Post-Graduate students (Masters & 1 st year PhD) 1.Creating and Managing Data - thinking about data and talking to each other Defining data in post-graduate projects 2.Working with digital data - practical stuff for doing a PhD File structure, naming and formats. E-theses Data Management Plans for post-graduate projects 3.Project and Professional Data - larger research projects and the real world Case studies of data management on larger research projects. 4.Archiving and Re-using Data - wrapping up projects, letting go and moving on Depositing digital data Intellectual Property Rights and research data in archaeology

6 Cambridge University Library Archaeology Post-Graduate Data Management Plans

7 Cambridge University Library Archaeology Lessons Learnt Students are most interested in data management that is directly relevant to their work. Simplified teaching materials appreciated – student focused but not patronising. Group-discussion exercises effective. One-day workshop more effective than 4 x 2 hr sessions – avoiding drop-off in attendance. Future at Cambridge Mandatory 2 hour session for 1 st PhD students in Autumn Term. Post-Graduate Data Management Plans as part of 1 st & 2 nd year reports for PhD students. Potential one-day workshop in Data Management in Archaeology – open for post-graduates, post-doctoral researchers and academic staff. Dissemination of Materials On-line Open Access teaching materials hosted by the Archaeology Data Service and Jorum. Positive interest by other university departments for re-purposing teaching materials.

8 Cambridge University Library Social Anthropology Requirement Gathering (Dec 2010 – Jan 2011): 16 people interviewed through semi-structured questionnaires: Departments computer officer 5 academics at various stages of their career 2 writing-up PhD students (post-fieldwork) 7 pre-fieldwork PhD students (focus-group discussion) Key findings: Limited departmental provisions, especially at post-graduate level More resources (both technical and didactic) welcome, but not strict guidelines or policies Electronic data not always crucial, reliance on pen and paper (often with no backup) across generations Metadata and documentation not necessarily created or developed, for lack of time and because the research process is cyclical and continuously evolving (categories never stay the same!) Memory as key

9 Cambridge University Library Social Anthropology Workshop aims and outline (5 May 2011): Aims: To provide pre-fieldwork postgraduate students with an understanding of data management issues and techniques across the data life cycle, with a special focus on the fieldwork phase of the research To allow students to reflect upon and expand their understanding of research data; to share their experiences, skills and issues in this respect Outline: Introduction – why this course? Participants introduce themselves and their research Data creation, capture and organisation Data organisation Part II Data Protection and Ethics Looking after data Working with data at different levels of research Group discussion and final wrap-up

10 Cambridge University Library Social Anthropology Lessons Learnt Need to keep the flexibility and distinctiveness that underscores the ethnographic method as a whole also in data-management training and practice Sharing data often seen as problematic and not necessarily worthwhile Future at Cambridge: The course will be part of the research training program offered to pre-fieldwork PhD students in the coming years. Teaching material will be made available on University online platform and on Departments website (issue of updating, maintenance and sustainability, related to resource availability!) Dissemination of Teaching Materials Camtools; Department of Social Anthropology website; UKDA; DCC; Jorum.

11 Cambridge University Library Summary and Future Tailored to student needs and led by recent PhD graduates Improving data management skills by teaching each other Students only do what they need to Mandatory Post-Graduate Data Management Plans in Archaeology One-day workshops early in academic year in Archaeology Mix of students, early career researchers and staff important to share best practices, challenges and long-term vision

12 Cambridge University Library Questions? Contact: Project Manager Elin ArchaeologyLindsay Social AnthropologyIrene Project website: