The role Academic Libraries could play in sensitizing researchers about research data management: a case of Makerere University Library

Abstract

Research data management is a relatively new activity at Makerere University. It was established that the concept is more familiar to those staff members who have been publishing continuously than what it is to their counterparts who have published only once in a while during the last five years. Furthermore managers, who are themselves engaged in research and article publication, have more knowledge about the concept of RDM than those managers who are not active in research. The aim of this poster is to describe the six-phase roadmap the academic library intends to follow in sensitizing all researchers to RDM services at Makerere University, Uganda. Phase 1: Create awareness – making use of a variety of social media channels. Phase 2: Engage researchers – good communication is essential. Phase 3: Build capacity – especially for librarians and ICT staff. Phase 4: Formulate policy – the library serves as an impartial connector. Phase 5: Address ownership issues – addressing the fears that researchers have. Phase 6: Provide online data storage – addressing security and facilitating sharing. Furthermore the authors will also discuss the importance of sustainability planning before the services are initiated.