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Higman, R. and Pinfield, S. (2015) Research data management and openness: The role of data sharing in developing institutional policies and practices. Program, 49 (4). 364 - 381. ISSN 1758-7301
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between research data management (RDM) and data sharing in the formulation of RDM policies and development of practices in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
Design/methodology/approach – Two strands of work were undertaken sequentially: first, content analysis of 37 RDM policies from UK HEIs; and second, two detailed case studies of institutions with different approaches to RDM based on semi-structured interviews with staff involved in the development of RDM policy and services. The data are interpreted using insights from Actor Network Theory.
Findings – RDM policy formation and service development has created a complex set of networks within and beyond institutions involving different professional groups with widely varying priorities shaping activities. Data sharing is considered an important activity in the policies and services of HEIs studied, but its prominence can in most cases be attributed to the positions adopted by large research funders.
Research limitations/implications – The case studies, as research based on qualitative data, cannot be assumed to be universally applicable but do illustrate a variety of issues and challenges experienced more generally, particularly in the UK.
Practical implications – The research may help to inform development of policy and practice in RDM in HEIs and funder organisations.
Originality/value – This paper makes an early contribution to the RDM literature on the specific topic of the relationship between RDM policy and services, and openness – a topic which to date has received limited attention.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2015 Emerald. This is an author-produced version of a paper subsequently published in Program. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Research data management; Research data services; Open data; Actor network theory; Data sharing; Openness |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Information School (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 08 Oct 2015 14:56 |
Last Modified: | 26 Oct 2016 10:18 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/PROG-01-2015-0005 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Emerald |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1108/PROG-01-2015-0005 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:89888 |
Available Versions of this Item
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Research data management and openness: The role of data sharing in developing institutional policies and practices. (deposited 29 Jul 2015 15:25)
- Research data management and openness: The role of data sharing in developing institutional policies and practices. (deposited 08 Oct 2015 14:56) [Currently Displayed]
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Filename: RDM and Openness revised Program 1-3 final submitted version inc figs and tabs WRRO.pdf
Licence: CC-BY-NC 4.0