University of Florida Libraries, George A. Smathers Libraries

The George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida will address challenges related to the growing demand for data competencies to support research needs across academic libraries. The planning grant will identify data and research competencies important to librarianship, develop a competency framework for a spectrum of librarian roles, provide instruction in these competencies to library professionals, and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of training in these competencies. Beneficiaries will include academic librarians, library faculty and staff at academic institutions (including smaller colleges and under-resourced campuses), who will be equipped with skills to provide data services. It will empower library professionals to both support and actively engage in the entire research lifecycle, thereby enhancing research quality and outcomes.