Developing data literacy: How data services and data fellowships are creating data skilled social researchers

Abstract

This paper describes two successful approaches to quantitative data literacy training within the UK and the synergies and collaborations between these two programmes. The first is a data literacy training programme, being delivered by the UK Data Service, which focuses on training in basic data literacy skills. The second is a Data Fellows programme that has been developed to help undergraduate social science students gain real-world experience by applying their classroom skills in the workplace. The paper also discusses next steps in the global development of data literacy skills via the EmpoderaData project, which is trialling the Data Fellows programme in Latin America.