Florida State University

Florida State University and Indiana University, Bloomington will investigate the value of legacy data for libraries and research communities as well as the roles various stakeholders should take in managing legacy data. This project will explore existing legacy research data ecosystems and investigate the roles libraries can take in managing these data across disciplines and organizations. The project team will implement a mixed-methods research approach through constructing and analyzing a corpus of representative literature, conducting a survey, and engaging with two legacy data case study sites for qualitative insight. They will develop and pilot open curricular and training materials through courses at both universities and obtain peer feedback through ongoing dissemination. This project addresses a critical national need for academic library staff and researchers by examining the socio-technical dynamics surrounding legacy data and decision-making regarding its value, management, and use, while directly informing open science and scholarly communication knowledge and practices across the country. The award was originally made to Rutgers University and was transferred to Florida State University in January 2024.