Research data and academic libraries

Abstract

Purpose. The paper deals with the role of academic libraries in the context of open science, especially in supporting researchers, faculty and students in the research data management process, publishing and sharing research data. It examines research data as a new library material, the features and differences from the “traditional” library materials and services, as well as new skills and knowledge needed for research data services. Approach. An overview is given of scientific and professional papers and examples of good practice regarding scientific data services in academic libraries. Findings. Academic libraries should respond to the rapid changes in the scientific landscape and to the new needs of their users by developing research data services. Some of these services could be considered as expansion of the existing information services (for example searching and finding the resources and also citing of the research data sets), but in most cases this kind of services demands new skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the cooperation among library staff is of vital importance for the high-quality research data services development, as well as the cooperation with other faculty departments and other institutions dealing with research data (especially research data archives). Practical implications. Academic libraries can consider introducing research data services in their strategic plans, missions, and planned activities according to the recommendations presented in the paper.