Data Management Training & Resources

PowerPoint Training Modules Developed in conjunction with DataONE and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), these training modules offer in-depth guidance on many of the topics covered on this Web site. These Training Modules will be deployed to this Web site over the coming months.

Data Management Body of Knowledge The "DAMA guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge" (DAMA-DMBOK) is a great resource for those involved in any aspect of data management. Produced by the Data Management Association, the DAMA-DMBOK covers topics such as data governance, data architecture, data security, data warehousing, document and content management, data quality, metadata, and professional development, among others. The "DAMA Dictionary of Data Management" contains over 2,000 entries covering various data management terms. These files are licensed for distribution to USGS personnel only, and are available as two separate PDF files: DAMA guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DAMA-DMBOK) (5 MB PDF) DAMA Dictionary of Data Management (4.2 MB PDF) To acquire these files, please contact Heather Henkel (hhenkel@usgs.gov).

Past Training: 2011 Data Management Workshop

On September 21-23, 2011, a 3-day Data Management workshop was sponsored by Core Science Systems (CSS) to support Bureau-wide data management activities. This activity, held in Reston, VA, was part of a series of data management projects funded by CSS, including this Web site for USGS policy and best practices, formal data management training, and the development of training modules for USGS. The Data Management Workshop served several purposes - both education and outreach for the Science Data Coordinator Network, and education and content for staff building the data management Web site for the Bureau.

There were 26 workshop attendees, representing each USGS Geographic Area and several Mission Areas. Most participants were nominated to attend the workshop by the Regional Executives and the Science Data Coordinators.

The course was taught by Tom Chatfield, Bureau of Land Management. The participants spent two days learning aspects of data management important to science data. On the third day, they were given the opportunity to review and suggest content for a draft Web site which will list, describe, and highlight best practices for data management within and outside of the USGS.

Workshop Course Description

"This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill your responsibilities as a Data Steward in managing information/data in compliance with government regulations. Since all DOI employees are data stewards for the data they collect and maintain, all can benefit from this course. However, the primary audience for this course is designated Data Stewards for datasets at the Field, State, or National office level.

"A Data Steward is the person most knowledgeable about the resource or program who ensures that pertinent data meet defined data standards and accurately describe the resource for which they have responsibility. Data Stewards manage data with regard to the informational needs of others in meeting the Bureau's mission. They manage data throughout their lifecycle including the phases of quality control/quality assurance, planning, acquiring, maintaining, accessing, evaluating, and archiving. As part of these phases, the course will also cover the fundaments of metadata, data modeling, normalization, sharing, costing, and documentation."

Feedback from the Workshop

Comments on response forms included the following:

• "I've already started spreading the word."
• "Should be one of DOI's required training modules."
• "How about an advanced data management workshop!"

Multiple Science Data Coordinators have received requests for presentations/training for other groups within USGS since the workshop was held, which affirms the success of the workshop, and motivation to continue work on data management in USGS.