Data Help Desk Playbook
Data Help Desk Playbook
A practical guide for planning, staffing, and running a Data Help Desk
Diving Right In?
What Is a Data Help Desk?
A Data Help Desk is a service designed to support researchers with data-related questions by connecting them with domain experts and data professionals. It provides one-on-one guidance on topics like data discovery, sharing, citation, management plans, and FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
ESIP’s Data Help Desk is a shared resource for many communities working in earth science, with an evolving cast of collaborators who provide resources targeted for specific events.
We’ve partnered with several partner organizations to organize Data Help Desks supporting the Earth Science community.
Why Host a Data Help Desk?
Organizations host Data Help Desks to meet the growing need for expert support in research data management. Most researchers receive little formal training but are increasingly expected to meet requirements around open data and reproducibility. Help Desks offer a low-barrier way for early career and underrepresented researchers to connect with the community, while also giving established experts a way to share knowledge and give back.
Hosting a Data Help Desk:
- Supports researchers across disciplines and career stages
- Enhances research quality and openness
- Helps institutions promote FAIR and open science
- Fosters collaboration between researchers and data professionals
- Surfaces insights into community needs and services