Developing Data Management Services at the Johns Hopkins University Original Research Article

Big data challenges have stimulated national and international initiatives in building inter-connected data repositories and integrated data resources as well as long-term data management and data stewardship to support cross-disciplinary scientific data discovery and reuse. To champion such efforts, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) created and developed a new model of data management services (DMS) encompassing a continuum of Storage → Archiving → Preservation → Curation layers to provide data managing and sharing through the JHU Data Archive (DA). To examine this model of data management services, we contextualized the JHU DMS in a case study drawing upon document analysis and interviews with key stakeholders. Our investigation revealed distinct dimensions of the JHU DMS/DA into environmental responsiveness (see Environmental Responsiveness section for explanation), socio-technical readiness, and marketing and collaboration strategies. We further articulated opportunities, challenges and success determinants of the DMS within its institutional context. We intend for the case study to stimulate further discussion and research on alternative options and extensions of the DMS model in other institutions or contexts.