Building Trust Through Research Data Literacy and Shared Support: Survey Findings and Challenges from the GW Research Data Management Task Force

Authors

• Emily Blumenthal, George Washington University
• Clark Gaylord, George Washington University
• Brie McDonald, George Washington University
• Brittany Smith, George Washington University
• Jennifer Strickland, George Washington University
• Lowell Williams, George Washington University

Document Type

Poster

Keywords

research data; research data management; RDM support; research data infrastructure

Publication Date

Fall 2026

Abstract

In 2024, the George Washington University (GW) convened the Research Data Management (RDM) Task Force charged with assessing institutional research data management needs. Early discussions revealed a need for data literacy and a shared language around  research data, including clearer distinctions between research data and other types of institutional data, as well as increased awareness of existing support services. Analysis of the resulting needs assessment survey further identified diverse data needs and widespread uncertainty around data sharing practices and data infrastructure. While respondents expressed an interest in a centralized research data management response, they also raised concerns about sustainability, long-term institutional commitment, cost and other critical themes. These findings suggest that successful RDM programs require not only technical infrastructure, but also researcher education and trust in the systems and services that support data stewardship and sharing.

Open Access

1

Comments

Poster presented at Southeast Data Librarian Symposium 2026.