What is Common Data Elements (CDEs)

Over the last decade, biomedical research and clinical practice have been transformed in many ways by the same technological advances that have made the world increasingly data driven. Journal and funder policies that promote data sharing also mean that not only do we have more data, but that more of it is available for researchers around the world to leverage in their pursuit of knowledge to advance human health. While the rise of biomedical big data has facilitated important advances, biomedical data science involves a unique set of challenges. Fortunately, librarians and information professionals are well suited to engage with researchers on many of these issues, making academic libraries ideally situated to serve as partners in advancing biomedical data science. Although the opportunities are many, this chapter specifically highlights five areas where librarians' skills make them valuable collaborators.