Preparing for Open Science in Qatar: Study of the Attitudes of Academics towards the QSpace Institutional Repository

Abstract

Background: Institutional repositories (IR) are most frequently the first technological encounter of academics with some of the key constituents of open science (open access to articles but also to a wide range of other academic outcomes, including in some cases research data; the possibility to share own research outcome and reuse available data). Objective: To explore how academics in Qatar University perceive the role of their repositories especially in all aspects related to depositing research outcomes, use and reuse of deposited materials and integrating the use of research repositories in their personal research lifecycles. Methods: A case study examining attitudes of academics in Qatar University towards the use of their research repository, QSpace. Data were gathered through a mixed methodology approach combining a survey and analysis of the repository usage statistics. Results: Academics are willing to deposit research items, including research data, but have concerns about copyright. Many repository users are seeking Arabic material although most of the items already there are English language items. Top country views for items vary according to item topic. Conclusions: Academic users need support and training in copyright to encourage deposit of more items, and research data. Qatar University Library staff should supply more scientometric data on item usage to academic staff to encourage deposit.