Date of Award

1-1-2025

Thesis Type

PhD

Document Type

Thesis

Divisions

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Department

Department of Library and Information Science

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

The increasing volume of research data has led to the emergence of research data management (RDM). Researchers generate substantial amounts of data that require efficient management throughout various stages of the research lifecycle. Dissemination and sharing of research data are key components of open science and RDM, driven by the requirements of funders, publishers, and institutions. Consequently, libraries have become vital in supporting researchers and adapting to the rapid growth of research data. The academic librarians providing RDM services need the capacity to fulfil roles and responsibilities for the research community. In the Malaysian context, RDM is still in its infancy, prompting librarians to develop their skills, knowledge, and access to tools, equipment, and other resources. This study explores the academic librarians’ significant capacity building towards developing and providing RDM services within the university (library and librarian, connection with researchers and institutional partnership with other stakeholders). A qualitative research approach was used, using semi-structured interviews with multiple sources to gather empirical evidence from informants in research-intensive universities in Malaysia. A case study design was chosen to holistically explore the academic librarians’ capacity building approaches towards providing RDM services. Interviews were conducted with academic librarians, and their insights were triangulated with those of chief librarians and researchers to facilitate data interpretation. The findings reveal academic librarians’ various roles in RDM services at the library, institutional, and national levels. These roles have shaped academic librarians’ practices around RDM services by providing services that contribute to data stewardship and incorporating RDM in current reference and technical services. Indeed, the academic librarians’ experiences and existing skills and knowledge were discovered as their primary background in taking responsibility for RDM services, and personal and professional motivations were determined by the academic librarians’ intention to obtain RDM skills and knowledge. This study highlighted that academic librarians engage in self-directed learning through various platforms and resources, not solely relying on formal training to develop their capacity. Academic librarians also leverage their networks within the university, connecting with researchers and other departments to foster engagement and institutional partnerships. These networks serve as conduits for learning, sharing resources, and gaining expertise through coordination, cooperation and collaboration. Academic librarians must equip the skills and knowledge to effectively engage with researchers while recognizing the importance of ensuring other stakeholders possess a basic knowledge of RDM. Although the study’s scope was limited to research-intensive universities in Malaysia, the insights gained and the approaches identified provide a valuable understanding of how academic librarians can effectively build their capacity for RDM services.

Initial

khm

Additional Information

Thesis (PhD) – Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 2025.

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