Data literacy : an output focussed model to guide Kenyan academic libraries

Abstract

In the era of rapid data generation, researchers at Kenyan universities face challenges in effectively navigating, interpreting, and managing data. This study proposes a collaborative data literacy framework to enhance Kenyan data literacy initiatives, addressing critical areas for improved outcomes. Despite data ubiquity, researchers encounter management challenges. The primary objective was to assess the feasibility of standardized data literacy services across private university libraries in Kenya. The broader research project, which was the PhD thesis as reported in section 9 of this paper, collected both quantitative and qualitative data. This paper reports only on the use of quantitative data to inform the output model. The study identified key stakeholders, emphasizing the crucial role of libraries in promoting data literacy. The proposed framework has the potential to enhance research quality, innovation, and societal impact in Kenya’s research community.