The role academic libraries could play in developing research data management services : a case of Makerere University Library

Abstract

Research data management (RDM) focuses on the organization and description of data, from its entry to the research cycle through to the dissemination and archiving of valuable results. RDM entails storage, security, preservation, compliance, quality, sharing and jurisdiction. In the academic world, RDM can support the research process by searching for relevant data, storing data, describing data and advising researchers on good RDM practice. This study focused on developing RDM services. The aim of the study was to establish the role Makerere University Library could play in developing RDM Services. A number of questions were formulated to guide the researcher in finding answers to the research questions. A literature review, based on the research sub-questions, was carried out. The review covered the concept of RDM, academic libraries and their RDM practices, various RDM services in academic libraries, RDM services that require sustainability and how current researchers, in general, manage their data. The research undertaken took a qualitative approach with a case study design. This was due to the need to gather in-depth and comprehensive views and experiences regarding RDM at Makerere University. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify researchers who are actively involved in managing research data at Makerere University. Data were collected using semi structured interviews, from eight participants; one from each college. The participants were selected because of their knowledge about RDM and semi-structured interviews were preferred due to their flexibility. An interview schedule was used as the data collection instrument. Data was transcribed into Microsoft Word for easy analysis. Findings that addressed the research question and sub-questions were presented and interpreted in chapter four and conclusions as well as recommendations were discussed in detail in chapter five of this research report. In summary it is possible to say that although researchers, from across the entire university, generate big volumes of research data it appears that researchers themselves manage, control and store their data making use of different removable devices. This is risky. So there is a need to develop RDM skills for all stakeholders. It does appear though that the researchers at Makerere University would be willing the support of RDM services if these are developed by the library.