Thoughts on the opportunities for records professionals of the open access, open data agenda
| Date | 06 July 2012 |
| Published date | 06 July 2012 |
| Pages | 92-97 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/09565691211268711 |
| Author | Julie McLeod |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
EDITORIAL
Thoughts on the opportunities for
records professionals of the open
access, open data agenda
Julie McLeod
School of Computing Engineering and Information Sciences,
Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this editorial is to highlight the potential challenges and opportunities for
information and records managers of the “open access” agenda. This is becoming increasingly high
profile not only in the research sector, but also the public sector as a result of a number of key drivers,
namely, research funder requirements, regulatory compliance, and the demand for greater openness,
transparency and accountability.
Design/methodology/approach – The article is a viewpoint informed by the findings from two
recent projects directed by the author and on wider conversations and publications. It is not an
in-depth analysis of the literature.
Findings – The author suggests that the increasing profile and importance of “open access” and
“open data” offer new opportunities for information and records managers. They provide technical as
well as people challenges and a new context in which information and records managers can apply
their expertise. This will be different to the compliance agenda; it will be focused more on economic
and competitor advantage.
Originality/value – The viewpoint brings together thoughts on the information and records
management implications of open access and the potential value and role of records professionals. Its
purpose is to stimulate debate and action.
Keywords Informationprofession,Research funding,Open data, Data re-use, Challenges,Opportunities,
Information management, Records management
Paper type Viewpoint
Over the past 18 months colleagues and I have been working on research data
management projects funded by JISC[1]. Originally an acronym for the “Joint
Information Systems Committee”, JISC is now much more than an information systems
“committee”, having a national reputation for championing the use of digital
technology in the UK education and research sector and an increasingly international
presence. It champions digital technology primarily by providing services and by
funding projects. The services are very wide ranging and include:
.centres of knowledge and expertise, e.g. the Digital Curation Centre and UKOLN
(technologies in digital libraries and the web);
.advice, guidance and training, e.g. JISC Digital Media, JISC Legal and JISC
infoNet, which are all very useful for records and information managers
particularly the latter with its infokits[2];
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0956-5698.htm
RMJ
22,2
92
Records Management Journal
Vol. 22 No. 2, 2012
pp. 92-97
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0956-5698
DOI 10.1108/09565691211268711
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