What skills do you need to support researchers doing eResearch? Computer-based technical skills? Certainly.

A skill base in the Linux/Unix environment, plus knowledge of Microsoft and Macintosh environments would be useful. Researchers in informatics especially have strong support needs - skills related to high-performance computing, data and database management, data curation, information modelling, distributed processing, visualisation and programming of all kinds, according to survey results in Developing the Capability and Skills to Support eResearch, an article by Margaret Henty published in Ariadne. Though published in 2008, the findings are still highly relevant.

While technical skills are obviously important, non-technical skills were also required:

_{Project management, business analysis, communications, negotiation, intellectual property, team building and train the trainer were mentioned specifically. Another was generic problem solving, because, as one researcher aptly put it, the kinds of problems which arise when undertaking eResearch mean that 'There's never going to be someone who has done it before.'}

Also flagged as important were personal skills, specifically, open-mindedness, patience and an 'ability to cooperate and collaborate rather than compete'.

Good ICT infrastructure on its own does not make eResearch possible. Technical skills such as project management, coupled with a clear strong policy framework, can also assist. Patient, friendly support is also key. As Henty writes in another publication, Dreaming of Data: The Librarian's Role in Supporting eResearch and Data Management, libraries and librarians are very well placed to play a key role in supporting eResearch.