Interactive data entry and validation tool: a collaboration between librarians and researchers

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share a case study process of collaboration with faculty, highlight some design considerations when creating data entry forms and describe some considerations when planning for data management.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is presented with goals, events and design considerations.

Findings

Findings show that librarians can be essential members of a faculty research team.

Research limitations/implications

Each partnership is different with different data management needs. Design considerations for a data entry form depend on the specific data being collected.

Practical implications

Principles can be applied to other libraries developing data management collaborations with faculty or for designing of Web/paper data entry forms.

Originality/value

Most forms are not interactive beyond simple presentation of alternate questions. This form of design method builds on user inputs to create dynamic, color-coded and textual guidance. Some of the process of collaborating with faculty partners is shared.

Citation

Johnson, E.O. (2015), "Interactive data entry and validation tool: a collaboration between librarians and researchers", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 32 No. 3, pp. 16-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-09-2014-0079