Research data management in universities of central China

Abstract

Purpose Revealing research data’s production and use, the status of research data management (RDM) and researchers’ service requirements in universities of Central China; this study aims to investigate the feasibility of university libraries in providing RDM services without any supporting policies from governments or funding agencies. Design/methodology/approach Using a stratified sampling method, faculties and graduate students from 11 universities were investigated. Four pilot subjects at Wuhan University (WHU) were chosen for whom a pilot RDM platform was to be constructed. Findings Research data at Chinese universities are small, sporadic and discontinuous. Such data are intensively or dispersedly under researcher’s management, with some unresolved problems regarding data security, data sharing and utilisation efficiency. Researchers’ needs for data services are strong. University libraries in China can develop RDM systems and provide related services. To realise this, more work should be done on service mechanism, service promotion, software development and staff training. Research limitations/implications The user survey covered 11 universities in central China, which may not reveal the real RDM status of researcher in different areas of China. Practical implications The practice at WHU could provide reference to other university libraries in China or other developing countries. Social implications The practice at WHU could provide reference to other university libraries in China or other developing countries. Originality/value The user survey is designed to be as comprehensive as possible and cover 902 researchers from 11 different types of Chinese universities. The practice at WHU is one of the first RDM initiatives led by university library in China.