Factors that determine open data readiness among scholars: experience from selected universities in Tanzania
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/IDD-10-2021-0111 |
| Published date | 19 September 2022 |
| Date | 19 September 2022 |
| Pages | 130-142 |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Library & information services,Lending,Document delivery,Collection building & management,Stock revision,Consortia |
| Author | Obadia Shadrack Buhomoli,Paul Samwel Muneja |
Factors that determine open data readiness
among scholars: experience from selected
universities in Tanzania
Obadia Shadrack Buhomoli
Library Services, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania, and
Paul Samwel Muneja
Information Studies Programme, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to investigate the factors determining the readiness for uptake of open data (OD) in Tanzania. Specifically, this study
intended to answer the question that sought to find out the factors that influence the implementation of OD in universities under study in a view to
aligning with recommended strategies for optimizing the use of data in the open science era .
Design/methodology/approach –This study used a cross-sectional survey design whereby data were collected using quantitative and qualitative
research approaches. A sample size of 212 respondents was drawn from the sampling frame of a population of 1,846 researchers from the
participating universities using both probability and nonprobability sampling techniques. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data
from researchers while interviews were administered to decision-makers. These two groups were believed to have the necessary knowl edge for this
study.
Findings –The findings indicate low or lack of skills and awareness on issues related to OD among researchers and decision-makers. This study also
reveals inadequate infrastructure to support open science initiatives including OD. Moreover, this study shows a lack of supportive institutional
strategies and policies that trigger the implementation of OD initiatives in Tanzania. This study recommends that universi ties should uplift the level
of confidence of researchers by ensuring all necessary factors determining the uptake of OD are in place before and during the implementation of
OD initiatives.
Research limitations/implications –This study was conducted during the time when researchers in universities are in an infant stage of adopting
the concept from the developed world. In this regard, it is important to carry out a tracer study on establishing the OD phenomena after a number of
universities have implemented OD initiatives in the country.
Practical implications –The researchers recommend the establishment of institutional policy and strategies to guide the implementation of OD
among universities in Tanzania. Including awareness creation awareness through providing training among researchers and academics in
universities. The results shed light to decision-makers on the understanding of the role of sharing research data in enhancing openness and
validation of findings to increase the authenticity of results among researchers.
Social implications –The authors have revealed the factors affecting the implementation of OD among scholars in universities. This study reveals
the level of acceptance of OD initiatives and the factors that could trigger adoption of OD.
Originality/value –This paper presents factors that determine the readiness for the uptake of OD in universities in Tanzania from the researcher’s
perspective. This study was conducted to fill the knowledge gap that sought to establish understanding of researchers about OD. The gap was
established through literature and it was found that none of the presented studies researched on this phenomenon in Tanzania.
Keywords Universities, Tanzania, Research data management, Open science, Open data, Data sharing, Research data
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The motive of this study comes from the fact that several
universitiesin Tanzaniahave adopted open science practices by
establishing open accessinstitutional repositories for collecting,
archiving and preserving intellectual goods generated by their
researchers (Muneja and Ndenje-Sichalwe, 2017). However,
there are limited researchesabout other aspects of open science
practices in the country such as researchon open data (OD) in
universities in Tanzaniawhich was the main focus of this study.
The study investigated the uptake of OD by investigating the
factors that determine the practice of OD in universities in the
country. Specifically,the study intended to answer the question
that sought to find out the factors that influence the
implementation of OD in universities in a view to align with
The current issue and full text archiveof this journal is available on Emerald
Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/2398-6247.htm
Information Discovery and Delivery
51/2 (2023) 130–142
© Emerald Publishing Limited [ISSN 2398-6247]
[DOI 10.1108/IDD-10-2021-0111]
Received 4 October 2021
Revised 27 January 2022
3 May 2022
16 June 2022
Accepted 25 August 2022
130
To continue reading
Request your trial