Because research data matters - a case at the Loughborough University Library

Abstract

Research data management is increasingly gaining importance in academic libraries, and there is a growing body of literature dedicated to this area of interest. However, only a few studies explored opinions and requirements of stakeholders involved in the provision of research data management. The following research employed a qualitative case study method and the evidence was gained through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. It aimed to investigate research data practices at Loughborough University, explore how research data management will be implemented investigating roles, responsibilities and work practices, evaluate the outcome of activities taken in the implementation of research data management and finally analyse whether/how users are going to be involved in this implementation. The study determined opinions and requirements of stakeholders involved in the provision of research data management and, based on the evidence, identified and discussed five main categories responsive to the objectives of the study: current services, stakeholders and roles, current issues, future developments and solutions. It also outlined recommendations for Loughborough University. The study confirmed that there are no proven solutions for the management of research data; therefore, further research is suggested to respond to the resulting questions that emerged from this study.