OBJECTIVE: All NSF grant proposals must now include a data management plan, and many other funding agencies either already have, or are expected to follow suit. Cornell’s Research Data Management Service Group (RDMSG) can help researchers prepare their data management plans, as well as being available for more general data management help. Our objective is to deliver research data management planning information to researchers.

METHODS: We delivered one hour information sessions at several times during the semester, and in several different locations on campus. In addition, individual consultations by email or in person were initiated by researchers.

RESULTS: We held nine open sessions in 2011 (3 in January, 2 in May, 2 in October, and 2 in December), and one session specifically for engineering faculty submitting CAREER proposals to NSF. Total attendance for all sessions was just over 300. We solicited feedback after the December sessions, which was uniformly positive. When asked whether the session made them better prepared to address the NSF's data management plan requirement, 21 of 23 respondents answered “yes” and 2 answered “unsure.”

CONCLUSIONS: Based on information session attendance and use of consultants, we consider this an important service for researchers. We will continue to offer NSF-specific information sessions as long as attendance warrants this; monitor emerging data management policies of funders such as NIH, and plan additional outreach accordingly; and determine need for additional data management training opportunities for faculty and graduate students, and develop training as need arises.