Data, statistics, and government information sources inform and enhance scholarship in many disciplines. As more of this information becomes discoverable online, potential uses of these sources even in undergraduate research will only proliferate. While researchers across the disciplines discover new possibilities for incorporating this information into their research, librarians can take advantage of new opportunities for services to their constituents, collaboration with colleagues, and professional growth and knowledge-sharing. Although some libraries retain data and/or government information subject specialists, many institutions’ liaison librarian assignments map to specific disciplines (e.g., History, Sociology) or to broader divisions (e.g., Social Sciences). These librarians might find themselves increasingly called upon to assist patrons with in-depth data and government information questions, but it can be difficult to build up expertise and comfort in these subject areas especially when performing other liaison responsibilities. In this session, we will present some reasons why librarians–even those who aren’t data or government information specialists–might incorporate data, statistics, and government information into one-shot sessions, multi-disciplinary instructional programs, and individual research consultations, particularly at the undergraduate level. We will suggest methods for developing and maintaining awareness of data and government information sources, along with recommendations for integrating these sources into instruction, research consultations, and point-of-need tools like subject guides and tutorials. We will also discuss strategies for collaborating with colleagues to promote these resources and to provide reference, instruction, and outreach services related to data and government information regardless of whether it appears in one’s job title.
