ResearchERS began as an-in person, year-long programming initiative to introduce undergraduate students to research data management outside of the classroom, and to build community with undergraduate students.
Early programming included dinner workshops, lunch sessions, and a field trip to the EPIC campus, using Library Innovation funds as support. Prior to COVID, the intent was to do more event and game-based programming. Library Innovation funds supported the creation of an in-person escape room and a board game (though this was stalled due to COVID). A Canvas module on Research Data Ethics is being developed, with the hope this can be incorporated into undergraduate courses, both online and in-person. This initiative allows students to experience the Libraries and librarians as community builders, and receive educational support inside and outside of the formal course structure, and in a knowledge domain that isn’t immediately identified with the Libraries or librarians.