The Data Curation Education in Research Centers program (DCERC) is a model for data curation education, coupling high-quality curriculum with field experiences in research and data centers. This unique program educates library and information science students at the master's and doctoral-levels, and builds on the strengths of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate School of Library and Information Science and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville School of Information Science. The two iSchools have partnered with the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a world-renowned data center, to make it possible for students to learn state-of-the-art data management and curation practices. DCERC is funded by a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services as part of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.
During the program, students are immersed in the real world of scientific data curation, engaging in current techniques and challenges. They work with science mentors as well as data mentors to fully understand the context of data production and use in the scientific research process. The outcomes for the first cohort of master's students has been highly successful: experiences have aligned with student career goals, every student completed projects that lead to conference posters or papers, and all evaluation measures have been positive. The summer internships resulted in a valuable exchange—students learned from mentors and the mentors also learned from the students. We are truly excited about the future of this program.