Research Data Management and Services in South Asian Academic Libraries

TL;DR

This study investigates the current state of research data management services in South Asian academic libraries, highlighting challenges, professional development needs, and the importance of compliance and preservation.

Contribution

It provides empirical data on the status of research data management services and offers recommendations for capacity building in South Asian academic libraries.

Findings

64.2% of respondents agree compliance and preservation are major issues.

Professional development through conferences, workshops, and MOOCs is recommended.

Research data management services are still developing in the region.

Abstract

The study examined the research data management and related services offered by South Asian countries' academic libraries. Research applied quantitative approach and survey research design method were used for this study. The survey questionnaire was distributed randomly to academic library professionals in five countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The sample population comprised 67 library professionals from various institutes of five countries. The study recommends that institutes or funding organizations support staff to attend conferences and workshops on research data management, library professionals have to join MOOC to take courses related to research data services, Institute or professionals conduct in-house staff workshops and presentations. The study also found that 64.2 per cent agreed compliance with funder requirements and preservation are major issues.