STAFF DEVELOPMENT FOR RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES OF PAKISTAN: HEAD LIBRARIANS’ PERCEPTIONS

Abstract

The present study aims is to determine the perceptions of head librarians’ regarding the knowledge, skills, and competencies essential for providing Research Data Management (RDM) services to university scholarly communities. Mixed method research approach was applied in this study based on the questionnaire and interview.  The data were collected from head librarians’ of the high-ranking universities/ degree awarding institutions in Pakistan recognized by Higher Education Commission (HEC).  Statistical strategies were used to analyze quantitative data and followed quantitative data using thematic analysis with simple frequencies and selected excerpts of the interviewees.  The findings reveal that the respondents needed to upskill in terms of data curation, data security, the quality of backup and retrieval, and support for storage and preservation. Furthermore, information professionals and librarians need to understand the contemporary and future requirements of the scholarly world and to learn the required skills for effective delivery of RDM services.  This study highlights continue professionals’ development for research data management, informing policy, training programs, and capacity building in university libraries, and supporting effective RDM services for academic research communities.