Environmental Researchers’ Data Practices: An Exploratory Study in Turkey

Abstract

This qualitative exploratory study probes the knowledge and attitudes of information science and environmental researchers in Turkey towards scientific data and information particularly in regards to sharing and preservation. Ten environmental scientists and two information scientists were interviewed. Results reveal that research data is stored mostly on personal computers. This raises two issues: organizational and technological sustainability. Environmental scientists in Turkey do not engage in data-intensive research. Data sharing is limited because of socio-cultural reasons. Although data collaboration is limited, there is an interest in international collaboration. According to the information scientists in Turkey, conversation on data management and data sharing has started but only in academic circles. Data practices are not mandated by funding agencies. The skill sets of information scientists are not fully utilized. For both environmental and information scientists, there is a long way to go.