Support for Research Data Management in university libraries-How far have we come

Advances 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.