A systematic literature review on research data management practices and services

Abstract

Purpose Research data management (RDM) has been called a “ground-breaking” area for research libraries and it is among the top future trends for academic libraries. Hence, this study aims to systematically review RDM practices and services primarily focusing on the challenges, services and skills along with motivational factors associated with it. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review method was used focusing on literature produced between 2016–2020 to understand the latest trends. An extensive research strategy was framed and 15,206 results appeared. Finally, 19 studies have fulfilled the criteria to be included in the study following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Findings RDM is gradually gaining importance among researchers and academic libraries; however, it is still poorly practiced by researchers and academic libraries. Albeit, it is better observed in developed countries over developing countries, however, there are lots of challenges associated with RDM practices by researchers and services by libraries. These challenges demand certain sets of skills to be developed for better practices and services. An active collaboration is required among stakeholders and university services departments to figure out the challenges and issues. Research limitations/implications The implications of policy and practical point-of-view present how research data can be better managed in the future by researchers and library professionals. The expected/desired role of key stockholders in this regard is also highlighted. Originality/value RDM is an important and emerging area. Researchers and Library and Information Science professionals are not comprehensively managing research data as it involves complex cooperation among various stakeholders. A combination of measures is required to better manage research data that would ultimately move forward for open access publishing.

Research data management systems and the organization of universities and research institutes: A systematic literature review

“…They are important to raise the awareness and increase knowledge among the researchers. They also contribute to the understanding of support units regarding their own role in RDM as well as the complexity and importance of these activities (Ashiq et al, 2020; Avuglah and Underwood, 2019; Bunkar and Bhatt, 2020). Besides further education, the Cruz et al (2019) underlined that an institutional policy, infrastructure, and support services influence the day-to-day actions of the researchers, too.…”

“…Especially the challenge to ensure long-term services and to finance them were mentioned (e.g. Ashiq et al, 2020; Hamad et al, 2021; Whyte, 2014) but solutions were barely presented (e.g. Shen and Varvel, 2013; Wilson and Jeffreys, 2013).…”

“…To provide tailored workshops, discipline-specific aspects need to be considered (Yu et al, 2017). Support staff will take up new responsibilities and needs to understand the importance of RDM as well as to learn specific skills for RDM (Ashiq et al, 2020;Avuglah and Underwood, 2019;Bunkar and Bhatt, 2020). RDM-trainings can be realized through different formats, like webinars, workshops, or consulting sessions (Bishop and Borden, 2020).…”

“…RDM-trainings can be realized through different formats, like webinars, workshops, or consulting sessions (Bishop and Borden, 2020). The contents of the trainings depend on the needs of the researchers and could range from long-term preservation, data curation and analysis as well as to legal issues (Ashiq et al, 2020;Aydinoglu et al, 2017;Piracha and Ameen, 2018;Saeed and Ali, 2019).…”

Academic libraries and research data management

“…RDM is a set of activities involving the research data lifecycle. These activities include topics such as planning, creation, use, organisation, preservation, or reuse (Ashiq et al, 2020). Research libraries are supposed to provide RDM services as a part of the regular services (Cox et al, 2019).…”