New alliances for research and teaching support: establishing the Göttingen eResearch Alliance. Issue 4 (1st September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmidt, Birgit; Dierkes, Jens
• Editors: Andrew Cox, Dr
• Is Part Of: Program. Volume 49:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 461
• Page End: 474
• Publication Date: 2015-09-01
• Subjects: Research data management -- e-Infrastructures -- eResearch -- Policies; Libraries, University and college -- Great Britain -- Automation -- Periodicals; 025.30285
• DOI: 10.1108/PROG-02-2015-0020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-0337

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and implementation of policies, digital infrastructures and hands-on support for eResearch at the University of Göttingen. Core elements of this activity are to provide support for research data management to researchers of all disciplines and to coordinate on-campus activities. These activities are actively aligned with disciplinary, national and international policies and e-infrastructures. Design/methodology/approach: – The process of setting up and implementing an institutional data policy and its necessary communications and workflows are described and analysed. A first assessment of service development and uptake is provided in the area of embedded research data support. Findings: – A coordination unit for eResearch brings together knowledge about methods and tools that are otherwise scattered across disciplinary units. This provides a framework for policy implementation and improves the quality of institutional research environments. Practical implications: – The study provides information about an institutional implementation strategy for infrastructure and services related to research data. The lessons learned allow insights into current challenges and work ahead. Originality/value: – With a cross-cutting, "horizontal" approach, in the Göttingen eResearch Alliance, two research-orientated infrastructure providers, a library and an IT service, combine their services and expertise to develop an eResearch service and support portfolio for the Göttingen Campus.