Partnering with health sciences libraries to address challenges in bioimaging data management and sharing

Area of Science:

• Bioimaging
• Data Science
• Library Science

Background:

• Increasing federal mandates and open science initiatives emphasize research data management and sharing.
• Bioimaging researchers face unique challenges in adhering to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles due to data size and type.
• Libraries possess the potential to support the entire data lifecycle, from planning to sharing and reuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of libraries in supporting bioimaging research data management.
• To outline how libraries can assist researchers in meeting data sharing requirements and FAIR principles.
• To emphasize the capacity of health sciences libraries to bridge institutional silos for specialized data support.

Main Methods:

• Assisting with data management planning, acquisition, processing, and analysis.
• Educating researchers on best practices for data management and sharing.
• Facilitating connections to experts and recommending appropriate data repositories.
• Assessing researcher needs to identify challenges and gaps in data support.

Main Results:

• Libraries can provide comprehensive support for research data throughout its lifecycle.
• Health sciences libraries can act as central hubs, connecting bioimaging researchers with necessary data support services.
• Proactive library involvement can help researchers comply with funder and publisher data sharing mandates.

Conclusions:

• Libraries are vital partners for bioimaging researchers in managing and sharing data effectively.
• Leveraging library resources can significantly improve researchers' ability to adhere to FAIR data principles.
• Health sciences libraries are uniquely positioned to enhance data management and sharing practices within academic institutions.