Research data management services: are academic libraries in Zimbabwe ready? The case of University of Zimbabwe library

Abstract

This research paper reports on the readiness of University of Zimbabwe (UZ) library to offer research data management (RDM) services after the library indicated that they are planning to offer RDM services to capture the ever-increasing research data from the institution and to help researchers meet the funders’ mandates for RDM. The investigation used the Technological, Economic, Legal, Organisational and Scheduling (TELOS) feasibility model and the research data life cycle as means to assess the readiness of UZ using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaires were used to gather information from researchers while interviews were used to collect data from faculty librarians, university librarian and the library information and communication technology (ICT) manager. Stratified and judgmental sampling methods were used to select participants for inclusion in the study. The study findings revealed that the UZ library was partly prepared as it had the necessary technological infrastructure and economic resources but did not have the enabling legal framework and skills to provide RDM services throughout the data lifecycle.