Research Computing Facilitators: The Missing Human Link in Needs-Based Research Cyberinfrastructure
- Published:
- Briefs, Case Studies, Papers, Reports
- Author(s) and Contributors:
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Author(s): Lauren Michael Bruce Maas
- Source(s) and Collection(s):
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Sources(s): EDUCAUSE Research Collection(s): EDUCAUSE Working Group
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Abstract
A comprehensive set of dedicated human activities is required to fully support and proactively accelerate scholarly discovery via research computing services, in what is a novel supplement to existing research computing staffing structures: the Research Computing Facilitator. Facilitators bring a needs-focused approach to research computing support and bring scholarly problems to the forefront of design decisions by technical staff and leadership. With major transitions for research computing technologies on the horizon, adaptive staffing models become a necessity within adaptive business models. This paper discusses the facilitator model at the University of Wisconsin – Madison; considers research-computing challenges that have led to the formation of this role; and identifies facilitator goals, skills, and activities. It further presents ongoing challenges and questions around the adoption, development, and evaluation of this role for continued discussion by the higher education community.
Citation for this Work: Michael, Lauren, and Bruce Maas. Research Computing Facilitators: The Missing Human Link in Needs-Based Research Cyberinfrastructure. Research bulletin. Louisville, CO: ECAR, May 16, 2016.