Research Data Literacy Perception and Practices in the Information Environment

Abstract

The paper addresses conceptual contexts of research data, research data literacy and research data perception and practices. The concepts of research data and research data literacy are explained in the context of the information environment. A typology of research data is presented based on a qualitative study among Slovak researchers. Research data types are represented by a concept map. Results of a survey among Slovak scholars are presented as part of a multinational online questionnaire survey on Data Literacy and Research Data Management (257 subjects). Findings confirm positive perception of data management issues among researchers. Majority of them are willing to share their data, but express concerns regarding misuse and misinterpretation of data. Most researchers are interested in research data management trainings. In conclusion, we propose the implications for LIS education with regard to data management, including the courses on data analysis and visualization and for development and maintenance of research data infrastructures in the information environment.