An Assessment of Research Data Services Through Client Interaction Records

Abstract

Research data services have increasingly become a feature of academic libraries. In this paper, we provide an internal assessment of consulting reach and effectiveness for our Data Services provided by the University Libraries at Virginia Tech using client records from 2016 to 2020. Through this assessment we explore how service growth and reach across Virginia Tech has evolved with time. We also look more closely at these aspects for one college and discuss how we will use this data to assess the impact of our services. Finally, through the lens of client outcomes, we examine the trends of client interactions over the term of the study.  Initially, we envisioned a successful service as one useful to the largest number of entities (primarily colleges and institutes) across Virginia Tech. However, analysis of the data gathered over the past four years leads us to consider targeting our service growth where it might be most useful. Rather than prioritizing services that are useful to the largest number of researchers, instead we could (and perhaps should) prioritize engagement with researchers and research communities for whom our assistance can make the largest positive impact. This assessment of our client data demonstrates the utility of detailed client management records for periodic formative and summative assessment of research data services.