Support_for_Research_Data_Management_in_University_Libraries-How_far_have_we_come.pdf (1.38 MB)
Download fileSupport for Research Data Management in university libraries-How far have we come
presentation
posted on 2020-03-10, 03:59 authored by Jess HowieAdvances in computing and technology have triggered a tidal wave of data on a global scale.
In this rapidly changing environment, data has become an output in its own right and steps
need to be taken in order to ensure that data is appropriately managed, stored and
preserved. Ideal Research Data Management practices help to realise the potential of data
to enrich knowledge through re-use and re-analysis, as well as provide mechanisms for
validation and enhance reproducibility. Librarians are well-placed to support researchers to
manage their data optimally. Not only are they well-versed in metadata and findability, they
also have an important role to play as advocates and balancing voices in a discussion which
is politically, ethically and culturally charged.
This lightning talk will summarise research which explored the development of research
support services in New Zealand University Libraries via survey responses from all eight
Universities. The survey questions for the Research Data Management section were
repeated from a multi-country carried out in 2012. The sharing of data from the original
survey enabled some longitudinal analysis over this time period. Respondents were asked to
provide details on the level of services offered, partnerships with other units, job titles, staff
time, barriers to service development and skills gaps.
Among the findings were a strong indication of growth in services, alongside a reduction in
perceived barriers and an increase in staff capacity. The results point to a strong future for
Research Data Management support in libraries but also provide some warning as to areas
that require more development and greater level of collaboration.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S)
Jess Howie - I am Researcher Support Librarian at University of Waikato. My areas of interest
include Research Data Management, scholarly communication, Open Access and
research impact.