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

Abstract

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.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.