Data Services
University Libraries' Data Services helps researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates discover, manage, analyze, visualize, share, and measure the impact of data throughout the research lifecycle.
Our experts provide consultations, training, and collaborative support in research data management, GIS and geospatial analysis, data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data visualization, research impact analytics, and emerging research technologies. Whether developing a grant proposal, conducting research, learning new tools, creating visualizations, publishing data, or exploring new technologies, Data Services can help you build skills, solve research challenges, and increase the reach and impact of your work.
Email the Data Services team at dataservices@vt.edu.
How do I write a data management plan?
Planning your data management from the start of your research project improves its efficiency and soundness. It also makes it easier for others and yourself to reuse the data and software generated after the project is completed.
Contact the data services team for assistance with a data management plan (DMP) or other research data management questions.
How can I get help finding data sets?
University Libraries’ data experts help researchers find and cite datasets for research projects and course use. Contact us or visit our Finding Datasets page to explore on your own.
Can the data services team help me publish my research data, meeting journal and funder requirements, and increase my data’s impact?
We enhance the discoverability, interoperability, and reusability of your research data, increasing its impact. Our curation services include:
- Publishing your research data in the Virginia Tech Data Repository
- Finding other appropriate repositories for your research data
- Enhancing the metadata surrounding your research data
- Converting your research data to open and widely-used formats, where appropriate
How can I find and use geospatial data for research?
Geospatial Data Services helps students, faculty, and researchers discover, access, and use geospatial data. It provides consultations, training, and support for mapping, visualization, and spatial analysis using tools like ArcGIS and QGIS. The team also offers introductory geospatial education and mapping services to help researchers incorporate geographic data into their work.
If you need help with the discovery and use of geospatial data, please contact Ed Brooks (ebrooks@vt.edu) and Imma Mwanja (imma@vt.edu). Find more information about these services on the Geospatial Mapping Services at Virginia Tech LibGuide.
How can I get individualized support for my research data challenges?
The Data Services team provides consultations and collaborative support for researchers working with data across disciplines. Services include specialists in engineering, science, social sciences, digital arts and visualization, and related fields.
Data services experts partner with faculty, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and research teams to address data-intensive research challenges. Whether designing a project, analyzing data, selecting tools and methods, or exploring new approaches, data consultants can help you identify solutions and build skills that support your research goals.
Can University Libraries Data Services help with AI and machine learning research?
Yes. Data Services provides consultations for researchers interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational methods, and other advanced research technologies. Consultants help evaluate approaches, identify tools and resources, and support researchers as they integrate new technologies into their projects.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Data Services at dataservices@vt.edu.
Where can I learn data analysis, Python, GIS, and research software at Virginia Tech?
Data Services offers free workshops, training, and instructional support to help students, faculty, and staff build skills in data analysis, visualization, digital research, and emerging technologies.
Graduate students seeking a stronger foundation in research and data practices can enroll in:
- GRAD 5124: Library Research Skills
- GRAD 5024: Data Management Skills
Our workshops for all researchers cover a wide range of tools and topics, including:
- Coding and data analysis: Python, R, Stata, SPSS
- Qualitative data analysis: NVivo, Atlas.ti, Dedoose, QualCoder
- Spreadsheets: Google Sheets, Excel
- Data visualization: Tableau, Adobe Creative Cloud
- Survey collection: Qualtrics, Microsoft Forms, Google Forms, REDCap
- GIS: ARCGIS, Kepler
Through partnerships across Virginia Tech, additional training opportunities are available in poster and information design, 3D printing, virtual reality, and other research technologies.
Workshops are available both in person and online through Zoom. Many workshops are eligible for Professional Development Network (PDN) credit for faculty and staff.
In addition to scheduled workshops, Data Services offers instructional consultations, guest lectures, and customized training sessions for classes, research groups, and laboratories. Library data experts tailor instruction to support specific learning goals in data analytics, digital literacy, research tools, and data-driven research methods.
For workshop schedules, visit the Library Calendar. To request a consultation or custom workshop, contact Data Education Coordinator Nathaniel Porter or schedule a consultation online.
How do I visualize research data effectively?
The data services team supports data visualization, infographic design, dashboards, maps, charts, academic posters, and interactive visualizations. Researchers receive guidance on selecting visualization methods, communicating findings clearly, and using tools such as Tableau, Adobe Illustrator, Gephi, and Kepler.gl to create effective data visualizations.
The team works with faculty, students, and research groups to create and improve:
- Data visualizations (static and interactive) and dashboards
- Charts and graphs
- Infographics and icons
- Geographic and geospatial maps
- Network visualizations
- Academic and conference posters
Whether presenting research findings, developing a digital project, preparing a conference poster, or creating visual content for publication, we can help you select effective visualization techniques and communicate information clearly to your audience.
Training and workshops cover topics such as:
- Tableau for data visualization
- Creating effective charts, graphs, and infographics
- Geospatial visualization with Kepler.gl
- Infographic design
- Academic poster design
- Adobe Illustrator and Adobe After Effects
- Interactive and visual communication design
- Network visualization
We also offer customized workshops, guest lectures, project consultations, and one-on-one support for data visualization, graphic design, visual communication, and research storytelling.
To request a consultation or learn more, contact Data Services.
How can I measure and increase the impact of my research?
University Libraries provides research impact and intelligence services that help researchers understand and grow the visibility, influence, and reach of their scholarship. Services include citation analysis, research impact reports, benchmarking, collaborator discovery, funding intelligence, researcher profile optimization, and strategic research analytics. These services help researchers demonstrate impact, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions about future research activities.
We provide support in areas such as:
- Research impact analysis and reporting
- Citation and publication metrics
- Research benchmarking and peer comparisons
- Research collaboration and partner discovery
- Research trend and landscape analysis
- Funding and proposal intelligence
- Research visibility and reputation management
- Research dashboards and data visualizations
- Researcher profile optimization and scholarly identity management
- Responsible use and interpretation of research metrics
Visit Research Impact & Intelligence Services for more information.
University Libraries supports faculty, researchers, and students with metadata needs across the research lifecycle. We can help with schema development, creation, refinement, and quality-control of metadata to support discovery and reuse of your research.
We can provide metadata-focused support for:
- Developing metadata for datasets and research outputs
- Metadata documentation and contextualization for improved reusability
- Guidance on metadata standards and controlled vocabularies appropriate to your domain area
- Supporting persistent identifiers and consistent metadata practices across projects or teams
- Aligning metadata with open and widely used formats to improve interoperability
We offer workshops, consultations, guest lectures, and one-on-one support to ensure metadata is complete, consistent, and geared towards long-term impact. Contact Kara Long (karal@vt.edu) for more information.
Data Services offers training and workshops for students and staff online and in person at Newman Library. Browse our upcoming events here or view all events on the library calendar.