scholarly journals Recordkeeping and research data management: a review of perspectives

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Grant
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Historical Perspectives ◽  
Research Data Management ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore a range of perspectives on the relationship between research data and records and between recordkeeping and research data management. Design/methodology/approach This paper discusses literature in the field of research data management as part of preliminary work for the author’s doctoral research on the topic. The literature included in the review reflects contemporary and historical perspectives on the management and preservation of research data. Findings Preliminary findings indicate that records professionals have been involved in the management and preservation of research data since the early twentieth century. In the literature, research data is described as comparable to records, and records professionals are widely acknowledged to have skills and expertise which are applicable to research data management. Records professionals are one of a number of professions addressing research data management. However, they are not currently considered to be leaders in research data management practice. Originality/value Research data management is an emerging challenge as stakeholders in the research lifecycle increasingly mandate the publication of open, transparent research. Recent developments such as the publication of the OCLC report “The Archival Advantage: Integrating Archival Expertise into Management of Born-digital Library Materials”, and the creation of the Research Data Alliance Interest Group Archives and Records Professionals for Research Data indicates that research data is, or can be, within the remit of records professionals. This paper represents a snapshot of contemporary and historical attitudes towards research data and recordkeeping and thus contributes to this emerging area of discussion.

scholarly journals Research data management and openness

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosie Higman ◽  
Stephen Pinfield
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Data Sharing ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Policy Formation ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Data Management ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between research data management (RDM) and data sharing in the formulation of RDM policies and development of practices in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach – Two strands of work were undertaken sequentially: first, content analysis of 37 RDM policies from UK HEIs; and second, two detailed case studies of institutions with different approaches to RDM based on semi-structured interviews with staff involved in the development of RDM policy and services. The data are interpreted using insights from Actor Network Theory. Findings – RDM policy formation and service development has created a complex set of networks within and beyond institutions involving different professional groups with widely varying priorities shaping activities. Data sharing is considered an important activity in the policies and services of HEIs studied, but its prominence can in most cases be attributed to the positions adopted by large research funders. Research limitations/implications – The case studies, as research based on qualitative data, cannot be assumed to be universally applicable but do illustrate a variety of issues and challenges experienced more generally, particularly in the UK. Practical implications – The research may help to inform development of policy and practice in RDM in HEIs and funder organisations. Originality/value – This paper makes an early contribution to the RDM literature on the specific topic of the relationship between RDM policy and services, and openness – a topic which to date has received limited attention.

Research data management practices of chemistry researchers in federal universities of technology in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatimah Jibril Abduldayan ◽  
Fasola Petunola Abifarin ◽  
Georgina Uchey Oyedum ◽  
Jibril Attahiru Alhassan
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Preservation ◽  
Research Data Management ◽  
Research Findings

Purpose The purpose of this study was to understand the research data management practices of chemistry researchers in the five specialized federal universities of technology in Nigeria. Appropriate research data management practice ensures that research data are available for reuse by secondary users, and research findings can be verified and replicated within the scientific community. A poor research data management practice can lead to irrecoverable data loss, unavailability of data to support research findings and lack of trust in the research process. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory research technique involving semi-structured, oral and face-to-face interview is used to gather data on research data management practices of chemistry researchers in Nigeria. Interview questions were divided into four major sections covering chemistry researchers’ understanding of research data, experience with data loss, data storage method and backup techniques, data protection, data preservation and availability of data management plan. Braun and Clarke thematic analysis approach was adapted, and the Provalis Qualitative Data Miner (version 5) software was used for generating themes and subthemes from the coding framework and for presenting the findings. Findings Findings revealed that chemistry researchers in Nigeria have a good understanding of the concept of research data and its importance to research findings. Chemistry researchers have had several experiences of irrecoverable loss of data because of poor choice of storage devices, back-up methods and weak data protection systems. Even though the library was agreed as the most preferred place for long-term data preservation, there is the issue of trust and fear of loss of ownership of data to unauthorized persons or party. No formal data management plan is used while conducting their scientific research. Research limitations/implications The research focused on research data management practices of chemistry researchers in the five specialized federal universities of technology in Nigeria. Although the findings of the study are similar to perceptions and practices of researchers around the world, it cannot be used as a basis for generalization across other scientific disciplines. Practical implications This study concluded that chemistry researchers need further orientation and continuous education on the importance and benefits of appropriate research data management practice. The library should also roll out research data management programs to guide researchers and improve their confidence throughout the research process. Social implications Appropriate research data management practice not only ensures that the underlying research data are true and available for reuse and re-validation, but it also encourages data sharing among researchers. Data sharing will help to ensure better collaboration among researchers and increased visibility of the datasets and data owners through the use of standard data citations and acknowledgements. Originality/value This is a qualitative and in-depth study of research data management practices and perceptions among researchers in a particular scientific field of study.

scholarly journals A critical analysis of lifecycle models of the research process and research data management

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Martin Cox ◽  
Winnie Wan Ting Tam
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Data Management ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Visualisations of research and research-related activities including research data management (RDM) as a lifecycle have proliferated in the last decade. The purpose of this paper is to offer a systematic analysis and critique of such models. Design/methodology/approach A framework for analysis synthesised from the literature presented and applied to nine examples. Findings The strengths of the lifecycle representation are to clarify stages in research and to capture key features of project-based research. Nevertheless, their weakness is that they typically mask various aspects of the complexity of research, constructing it as highly purposive, serial, uni-directional and occurring in a somewhat closed system. Other types of models such as spiral of knowledge creation or the data journey reveal other stories about research. It is suggested that we need to develop other metaphors and visualisations around research. Research limitations/implications The paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of the popular lifecycle model for research and RDM, and also considers alternative ways of representing them. Practical implications Librarians use lifecycle models to explain service offerings to users so the analysis will help them identify clearly the best type of representation for particular cases. The critique offered by the paper also reveals that because researchers do not necessarily identify with a lifecycle representation, alternative ways of representing research need to be developed. Originality/value The paper offers a systematic analysis of visualisations of research and RDM current in the Library and Information Studies literature revealing the strengths and weaknesses of the lifecycle metaphor.

Research data management at the University of Bristol

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra Hiom ◽  
Dom Fripp ◽  
Stephen Gray ◽  
Kellie Snow ◽  
Damian Steer
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Planning ◽  
Research Data Management ◽  
Funded Project ◽  
University Of Bristol ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to chart the development of research data management services within the University of Bristol, from the initial Jisc-funded project, through to pilot service and planned core funding of the service. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a case study of the approach of the University of Bristol Library service to develop a sustainable Research Data Service. Findings – It outlines the services developed during the project and pilot phases of the service. In particular it focuses on the sustainability planning to ensure that research data management is embedded as a core university service. Originality/value – The case study provides practical advice and valuable insights into the issues and experiences of ensuring that research data management is properly valued and supported within universities.

scholarly journals Research Data Management as a “wicked problem”

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 356-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Awre ◽  
Jim Baxter ◽  
Brian Clifford ◽  
Janette Colclough ◽  
Andrew Cox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Wicked Problems ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Wicked Problem ◽  
Research Administration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Data Management ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Depth Response

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the usefulness of the concept to thinking about Research Data Management (RDM). The concept of “wicked problems” seeks to differentiate very complex, intractable challenges from tamer issues where approaches to problem solving are well-understood. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on and co-authored by a collaboration of practitioners from libraries, information technology and research administration, with facilitators from the Sheffield Information School. Participants worked together in two-day-long workshops to understand the wicked problem concept and advice on leadership in wicked problem contexts. Findings – Participants concurred that RDM had many features of a wicked problem and most of Grint’s advice on leadership for wicked problems also resonated. Some elements of the issue were simple; participants were optimistic about improving the situation over time. Participants were resistant to the more negative or fatalistic connotations of the phrase “wicked problem”. Viewing RDM as a wicked problem is an interesting way of looking at it as a challenge for support professionals. Practical implications – The notion of a wicked problem is a generative concept that can be usefully added to professional vocabulary. Originality/value – The paper captures an in-depth response from practitioners to the notion of wicked problems as a lens for examining RDM.

scholarly journals Building a research data management service for the London school of hygiene & tropical medicine

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 424-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth Knight
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Tropical Medicine ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
London School ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Data Management ◽  
Time Investment

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of work performed at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to set-up a Research Data Management Service and tailor it to the needs of health researchers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the motivations for establishing the RDM Service and outlines the three objectives that were set to improve data management practice within the institution. Each of the objectives are explored in turn, stating how they were addressed. Findings – A university with limited resources can operate a RDM Service that pro-actively supports researchers wishing to manage research data by monitoring evolving support needs, identifying common trends and developing resources that will reduce the time investment needed. The institution-wide survey identified a need for guidance on developing data documentation and archiving research data following project completion. Analysis of ongoing support requests identifies a need for guidance on data management plans and complying with journal sharing requirements. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides a case study of a single institution. The results may not be generally applicable to universities that support other disciplines. Practical implications – The case study may be helpful in helping other universities to establish an RDM Service using limited resources. Originality/value – The paper outlines how the evolving data management needs of public health researchers can be identified and a strategy that can be adopted by an RDM Service to efficiently address these requirements.

scholarly journals Librarians and scientists partner to address data management

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 142-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Medina-Smith ◽  
Kimberly A. Tryka ◽  
Barbara Silcox ◽  
Robert J. Hanisch
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Service Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Address Data ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Management Issues

Purpose This study aims to look at the changing way in which the Information Services Office (ISO) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides services to NIST scientific and technical staff throughout their research and publishing cycles. These services include the more traditional services of a research library and publishing NIST technical reports and The Journal of Research of NIST and preserving and exhibiting scientific instruments and other artifacts. ISO has always prided itself on having a close relationship with its customers, providing a high level of service and developing new services to stay in front of NIST researcher needs. Through a concerted, strategic effort since the late 1990s, ISO has developed and promoted relationships with its key customers through its Lab Liaison Program. Design/methodology/approach This paper discusses the relationship ISO has developed with the Office of Data and Informatics (ODI), how this relationship was forged and how this collaboration will serve as a model for working with the other labs and programs at NIST. It will also discuss the risks and opportunities of this new collaborative service model, how ISO positioned itself to become an equal partner with ODI in the exploration of solutions to data management issues and the benefits of the relationship from ODI’s perspective. Findings A pattern of strategic changes to the services and activities offered by the Lab Liaison program has put ISO in the position to collaborate as peers with researchers at NIST. Originality/value This study provides an overview of how ISO made strategic decisions to incorporate non-traditional services to support data management at NIST.

Research data management: a conceptual framework

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 226-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimple Patel
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Data Management ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Data Privacy ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Level ◽  
Research Data Management ◽  
Data Life Cycle ◽  
Effective Manner

Purpose Research data management (RDM) is gaining a lot of momentum in the present day and rightly so. Research data are the core of any research study. The findings and conclusions of a study are entirely dependent on the research data. Traditional publishing did not focus on the presentation of data, along with the publications such as research monographs and especially journal articles, probably because of the difficulties involved in managing the research data sets. The current day technology, however, has helped in making this task easier. The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for managing research data at the institutional level. Design/methodology/approach This paper discusses the significance and advantages of sharing research data. In the spirit of open access to publications, freeing research data and making it available openly, with minimal restrictions, will help in not only furthering research and development but also avoiding duplication of efforts. The issues and challenges involved in RDM at the institutional level are discussed. Findings A conceptual framework for RDM at the institutional level is presented. A model for a National Repository of Open Research Data (NRORD) is also proposed, and the workflow of the functioning of NRORD is also presented. Originality/value The framework clearly presents the workflow of the data life-cycle in its various phases right from its creation, storage, organization and sharing. It also attempts to address crucial issues in RDM such as data privacy, data security, copyright and licensing. The framework may help the institutions in managing the research data life-cycle in a more efficient and effective manner.

A systematic literature review on research data management practices and services

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Murtaza Ashiq ◽  
Muhammad Haroon Usmani ◽  
Muhammad Naeem
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Data Management ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Open Access Publishing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Data Management

Purpose Research data management (RDM) has been called a “ground-breaking” area for research libraries and it is among the top future trends for academic libraries. Hence, this study aims to systematically review RDM practices and services primarily focusing on the challenges, services and skills along with motivational factors associated with it. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review method was used focusing on literature produced between 2016–2020 to understand the latest trends. An extensive research strategy was framed and 15,206 results appeared. Finally, 19 studies have fulfilled the criteria to be included in the study following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Findings RDM is gradually gaining importance among researchers and academic libraries; however, it is still poorly practiced by researchers and academic libraries. Albeit, it is better observed in developed countries over developing countries, however, there are lots of challenges associated with RDM practices by researchers and services by libraries. These challenges demand certain sets of skills to be developed for better practices and services. An active collaboration is required among stakeholders and university services departments to figure out the challenges and issues. Research limitations/implications The implications of policy and practical point-of-view present how research data can be better managed in the future by researchers and library professionals. The expected/desired role of key stockholders in this regard is also highlighted. Originality/value RDM is an important and emerging area. Researchers and Library and Information Science professionals are not comprehensively managing research data as it involves complex cooperation among various stakeholders. A combination of measures is required to better manage research data that would ultimately move forward for open access publishing.

scholarly journals Research data management in Turkey: perceptions and practices

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arsev Umur Aydinoglu ◽  
Guleda Dogan ◽  
Zehra Taskin
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Data Management ◽  
Data Practices ◽  
The Subject

Purpose The massive increase in research data being produced nowadays has highlighted the importance of research data management (RDM) to science. Research data not only have to be cost effective but also reliable, discoverable, accessible, and reusable. In this regard, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceptions and practices of Turkish researchers on the subject of RDM. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was distributed to the academicians in 25 universities in Turkey, and 532 responses were gathered. Findings Results indicate that although Turkish researchers are aware of the benefits of data management, are willing to share their research data with certain groups, and have decent preservation habits, they express that they lack the technical skills and knowledge needed for RDM. In addition, no institutionalized support (staff, training, software, and hardware) is provided to researchers. Research limitations/implications A well-structured data strategy or policy that includes resource allocation (awareness, training, software/hardware) and is supported by Turkish research agencies is required for better data management practices among researchers in Turkey. Originality/value This is the first study that investigates the data practices of Turkish academics who produce around 30,000 scientific articles annually that are indexed by Web of Science. It contributes to the growing literature on RDM.

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