The role of academic libraries in research data service (RDS) provision
The Electronic Library, 35 (4):
783--797 (August 2017)DOI: 10.1108/EL-10-2016-0233
Abstract
Purpose Propelled by fast-evolving computational technology and cloud-based data storage, the increasing ease in research data collection is outstripping the capacity in research data service (RDS) in academic institutions. To illustrate the challenges and opportunities in providing RDS, the author provides a systematic review of the RDS offered in academic institutions and libraries by combining existing literature and survey data collected from the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). In addition, the RDS websites of 2013 ARL survey-participating institutions are also examined. The aim of the paper is to provide an environmental scan of the current state of RDS provision in academic institutions, to add to the body of knowledge of RDS development, and to inform and enable academic libraries to make strategic RDS plans. Design/methodology/approach The paper analyzes the strategies used and levels of RDS provided by reviewing recent literatu...