As more and more datasets are collected, preserved, and shared in repositories, librarians should consider all of the factors involved in secondary data use for research. Such topics include how to search for existing data, how to assess the quality of a dataset and its appropriateness for the research study at hand, and how to work with data standards to enhance interoperability and discoverability. Teaching Secondary Data Use in Libraries is a four-part short course designed to share ideas around training students and researchers on finding and using existing datasets. Starting with a session on resources and tools available to find secondary data, this series will progress through teaching secondary data use, a discussion of data standards and interoperability, and a panel highlighting research projects using secondary data.
CE credit is only awarded after attending all 4 sessions.
Led by a team of esteemed experts, this course will cover the following:
Session 1,Thursday, October 15, 2026 11a. Eastern: Resources for Clinical Data Reuse
Dr. Euny Lee, Health Scientist Administrator at the NIH National Library of Medicine (NLM), will present information on secondary data use through her work at the Center for Clinical Observational Investigations (CCOI). Dr. Lee will describe how CCOI resources can support clinical research and data reuse by helping researchers identify and select appropriate datasets.
Session 2, Thursday, October 22, 2pm Eastern: Teaching Secondary Data Use
Fred LaPolla, Head of Data Services and Research Impact at the NYU Health Sciences Library, will discuss strategies for teaching secondary data use to researchers.
Session 3, Friday, October 30, 1pm Eastern: OMOP, Data Standards, and Interoperability
Dr. Adam Bouras, Senior Consultant and Adjunct Professor at Purdue University, will discuss the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM) — what it is, why it is used, and what role librarians can play in data standardization.
Session 4, November date/time TBD: All of Us Project Case Study
Yuqi He, Engineering and Data Services Librarian at San Jose State University, and colleagues will present a case study of working in learning communities where librarians, faculty, and staff collaborated on research involving the All of Us Research Program dataset.
Course URL: Pending
Learning Objectives
- Identify resources for finding secondary datasets.
- Describe effective approaches to teaching secondary data use.
- Determine appropriate applications for using generative AI in secondary data analysis.
- Design instruction for secondary data use that incorporates data standards and interoperability.
- Understand strengths and weaknesses of working with secondary data.
Agenda
Each webinar will go as follows:
- Introduction – 10 min
- Presentation – Slides – 60 min
- Q&A – 20 min
MLA CE Credits: 6
Course Includes
- 2 Lessons
- Course Certificate