Data Literacy and Research Data Management: The Case at ULSIT

Abstract

In 2017 a team of researchers from the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT) joined an international research group to conduct a scientific survey on Data Literacy and Research Data Management. In the research paper we examine the current state of data literacy, data sharing and reuse perceptions and practices among researchers at ULSIT. The research, which found gaps in understanding of data management best practices, provides recommendations for data literacy training to be provided in the near future. The implementation of the survey was timely, necessary, and useful in light of current amendments to the Act for the Development of the Academic Staff in the Republic of Bulgaria (2018). Analysis of the current levels of awareness and gaps in knowledge among the survey population has resulted in the creation of a document with recommendations for changes to the university’s data management policy that also includes specific improvements for the university’s Quality of Education Management System.