Research Data Services in Academic Libraries: Data Intensive Roles for the Future?

• Main Authors: Carol Tenopir, Dane Hughes, Suzie Allard, Mike Frame, Ben Birch, Lynn Baird, Robert Sandusky, Madison Langseth, Andrew Lundeen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Lamar Soutter Library 2015-12-01
• Series: Journal of eScience Librarianship
• Subjects: research data service; data management; libraries and data sets
• Online Access: http://escholarship.umassmed.edu/jeslib/vol4/iss2/4/

Objectives: The primary objectives of this study are to gauge the various levels of Research Data Service academic libraries provide based on demographic factors, gauging RDS growth since 2011, and what obstacles may prevent expansion or growth of services. Methods: Survey of academic institutions through stratified random sample of ACRL library directors across the U.S. and Canada. Frequencies and chi-square analysis were applied, with some responses grouped into broader categories for analysis. Results: Minimal to no change for what services were offered between survey years, and interviews with library directors were conducted to help explain this lack of change. Conclusion: Further analysis is forthcoming for a librarians study to help explain possible discrepancies in organizational objectives and librarian sentiments of RDS.