Research data management services in academic research libraries and perceptions of librarians

• Published in: Library & information science research Vol. 36; no. 2; pp. 84 - 90
• Main Authors: Tenopir, Carol, Sandusky, Robert J., Allard, Suzie, Birch, Ben
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Inc 01.04.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; Information and communication sciences; Information processing and retrieval; Information retrieval. Man machine relationship; Information science. Documentation; Library and information science. General aspects; Sciences and techniques of general use; Use and user studies. Information needs; Research library; Scientific research; Higher education library; Perception; Service; Data; Librarian; Management
• ISSN: 0740-8188; 1873-1848
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lisr.2013.11.003

The emergence of data intensive science and the establishment of data management mandates have motivated academic libraries to develop research data services (RDS) for their faculty and students. Here the results of two studies are reported: librarians' RDS practices in U.S. and Canadian academic research libraries, and the RDS-related library policies in those or similar libraries. Results show that RDS are currently not frequently employed in libraries, but many services are in the planning stages. Technical RDS are less common than informational RDS, RDS are performed more often for faculty than for students, and more library directors believe they offer opportunities for staff to develop RDS-related skills than the percentage of librarians who perceive such opportunities to be available. Librarians need opportunities to learn more about these services either on campus or through attendance at workshops and professional conferences. •Research data management services (RDS) in academic libraries are explored, along with librarian perceptions.•North American libraries do not frequently offer RDS, but many are being planned.•Technical (hands-on) RDS are less common than informational (consulting) RDS.•Over half of academic libraries do not collaborate with any other RDS provider.•Many librarians in academic research libraries feel the need for more RDS training.