Research data services in libraries: a systematic literature review
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/IDD-04-2021-0044 |
| Published date | 31 October 2022 |
| Date | 31 October 2022 |
| Pages | 151-165 |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Library & information services,Lending,Document delivery,Collection building & management,Stock revision,Consortia |
| Author | Muhammad Safdar,Shafiq Ur Rehman,Muhammad Arif,Murtaza Ashiq |
Research data services in libraries: a systematic
literature review
Muhammad Safdar
National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
Shafiq Ur Rehman
Deanship of Library Affairs, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Muhammad Arif
Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan, and
Murtaza Ashiq
Islamabad Model College for Boys H-9, Islamabad, Pakistan
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper was to systematically collect and review all studies which have been conducted on research data services in
libraries across the globe.
Design/methodology/approach –Six world-renowned scholarly databases were searched and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for the identification and selection of eligible studies. The studies were then assessed using a well-
renowned framework for the quality assessment of research studies.
Findings –The results revealed that the libraries were engaged in providing different types of research data services such as identification,
acquisition, management and preservation of research data. They also arranged training programs, supported the publishing and sharing of data
and dealt with the licensing and copyright issues related to data.
Research limitations/implications –The results of this study would be helpful for researchers and organizations, especially those engaged in
educational activities, in understanding the current scenario of research data services in the world libraries. Furthermore, the findings offer valuable
insights to library professionals regarding the types of research support services available globally. This would enable them to play an integral role in
planning, designing and implementing such services in their libraries.
Originality/value –To the best of the authors’knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that systematically collects and reviews the literature on
research data services in libraries worldwide.
Keywords Data management, Data services in libraries, Library and research data, Research data, Research data services,
Researchers and research data
Paper type Literature review
Introduction
Libraries have been part of human civilization since ancient
times and are consideredto be an integral part of all educational
and research institutions. They help facilitate faculty,
researchers and students to achieve their academic and
research goals (Cha and Kim, 2015;Jurkowski,2006;Korobili
et al.,2006;Makworo, 2012). The technologicaldevelopments
during the past two decades have greatly impacted the mode
and access to information, knowledge, resources and services.
They have also extended the role of libraries beyond the
traditional (Ashiq et al., 2020), and libraries are now
considered to be criticallyimportant for the various educational
activities that occur in an information-rich environment.
Library services are now of paramount importance for both
individuals as well as educational institutions (Jamshed et al.,
2020;Mahesh and Adithyakumari,2017).
Academic and research libraries offer various services
ranging from the acquisition to the preservation of data,
information and knowledge. Library professionals not only
facilitate library patrons but are also involved in the
management of library collections and other research-related
activities (Ashiq et al., 2018;Flores et al.,2015;Haddow and
Mamtora, 2017;Kennan et al.,2014;Kumar, 2015). It is,
therefore, imperative to recognize the emerging role of library
professionals in the knowledge-basedeconomy. Librarians play
an important role in humancapacity building, policymaking, as
well as in creating compatiblesmart services (e.g. maker spaces,
scholarly communication, outreach services and information
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) 151–165
© Emerald Publishing Limited [ISSN 2398-6247]
[DOI 10.1108/IDD-04-2021-0044]
Received 10 April 2021
Revised 15 August 2021
15 February 2022
12 April 2022
26 May 2022
Accepted 15 September 2022
151
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