Help-seeking behaviors in research data management

Abstract

Investigations on the help-seeking behavior of academic library patrons have, to date, primarily focused on the undergraduate experience, most often in the context of reference interactions. This study seeks to explore the help-seeking behaviors of a different audience-faculty in the natural and physical sciences at an R2 land-grant university. Eighteen faculty in the natural and physical sciences at the University of Idaho were interviewed, and it was found that faculty seek help from colleagues; peers outside the university, via connections formed in graduate school or professional circles; and through do-it-yourself solutions like "just googling it," but less often through university resources and programs. These results are a starting point to explore how libraries might better understand the help-seeking behavior of research faculty, with an eye towards developing services and sources that better meet faculty research needs.