Building Bridges with Information: RIMS at CMU
One of the most fascinating and challenging things we’re working on in the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries is our Research Information Management Services (RIMS) Program. We've integrated Symplectic Elements and I recently had the chance to talk about our journey with my colleague and Program Director Jason Glenn. Check out: OCLC’s A marathon, not a sprint: implementing research information management systems (RIMS) in the US
Our driving philosophical principle is: "know thyself." Understanding and connecting our university's unique ecosystem can lead to practical, actionable insights.
While I often approach this work with a level of abstraction, at its heart, our RIMS functions as a diagnostic tool. It helps us identify collective strengths and areas for improvement, supporting various academic and administrative units in assessing their impacts and outcomes.
I also think of RIMS as a conduit, connecting diverse pools of data and information to spark new understanding, connections, or collaboration.
It also acts as a framework or connective tissue, helping us to map out and engage with CMU's distinctive structure, and providing a holistic view of activities and achievements.
Why the Library?
In our model, we serve as curators. We view RIMS from the lineage of collection development. It’s our gathering and synthesizing instinct applied to a new domain. We view the combination of our expertise with organizing information AND understanding user needs as unique assets.
We strive to make information accessible, relevant, and equitable, effectively serving as a utility for knowledge. This enables our community to explore, question, and find solutions.
Three Observations
First, engaging with RIMS opens doors to varied discussions across the university— from accreditation talks to research assessments— further establishing the library as a partner and problem solver.
Second, the process of integrating and analyzing data reveals the intricate web of challenges we face, from system silos to data discrepancies. These issues are complex, but not insurmountable.
Lastly, managing a RIMS is a considerable endeavor. It goes beyond just technological challenges; it's about fostering a culture of collaboration, ongoing involvement, and continuousimprovement across different groups and interests.
Some of our initiatives include:
Partnering with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, we've explored various themes.
Supporting the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development, we developed a tool to identify faculty expertise, aiding students in seeking scholarships and recognitions like Fulbright and Rhodes.
Working with the CMU Sustainability Initiative, we to integrated teaching, research, and service across the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
👏 Shoutout to Jason and his team and all the great work that they do: CMU RIMS
