Big Data Infrastructure at the Crossroads 3 perceptions that much data is either derivative, low quality, or gathered from sources that are inappropriate for open sharing. ▪ Ethical Challenges. The ethical dimensions of big data research remain contested, and some researchers are uncertain about best practices for ethical research conduct. Although IRB guidance is valued, some researchers expressed concerns that IRB regulations are not well adapted to new or evolving research methods. ▪ Support and Training. Researchers tend to favor informal training methods, such as internet tutorials, over formal training in big data methods. While such methods work well for solving immediate problems, they are less well suited to acquiring foundational knowledge, leaving the potential for blind spots in academic research.
F.D. Bluford Library is a mid-sized library serving over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. In 2010, the Library began to transition from federated search technology to Web-scale discovery to meet user expectations. Users expected to have quick access to the library resources. The promise of discovery was an idealized solution for all stakeholders. Discovery platform vendors touted quick access to multiple resources using centralized indexing or highly-efficient database connectors. In the selection process, however, it became evident that there are no easy choices. Each platform currently on the market had advantages and disadvantages. The library’s task force therefore defined priorities and environmental factors to select the optimum solution while meeting an aggressive deadline for selection. This chapter discusses the particular needs of mid-size libraries and makes suggestions for an evaluation process.
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