Research Data Management Services in Academic Libraries: Awareness, Practices, and Challenges G A NARASIMHA RAJU , M.A.,M.A.,MLISc.,B.Ed.,UGC NET,PGDCA Research Scholar & Secondary Grade Teacher, Dept. of School Educaton, Govt. of A.P. ISSN: 3108-1053 (VOLUME-1, ISSUE-2) Received: March25, 2025 Revised: April 15, 2025 Accepted: May 20, 2025 Published: June 30, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20579766 URL: https://svlnsgdc.ac.in//userfiles/file/V1I2/SVLNSV1I20004.pdf ABSTRACT Research Data Management (RDM) has emerged as an important component of scholarly communication and research support services in academic institutions. Academic libraries are increasingly expected to assist researchers in organizing, preserving, sharing, and managing research data throughout the research lifecycle. The present study examines the level of awareness, existing practices, and challenges associated with Research Data Management Services in academic libraries. The study is based on a survey of 200 library professionals working in university, government, aided, and private college libraries across Andhra Pradesh. Data were analyzed using percentage analysis, mean scores, Chi-square test, and One-Way ANOVA. The findings reveal moderate awareness of RDM concepts among library professionals, while actual implementation of RDM services remains limited. Major challenges include inadequate training, lack of institutional policies, technological constraints, and insufficient infrastructure. The study emphasizes the need for capacity building, policy development, and institutional support to strengthen Research Data Management Services in academic libraries. Keywords: Research Data Management, Academic Libraries, Research Support Services, Data Preservation, Scholarly Communication. INTRODUCTION The rapid growth of digital research and data-intensive scholarship has transformed the research landscape across disciplines. Researchers today generate large volumes of data through surveys, experiments, observations, simulations, and digital platforms. Effective management of these data resources has become essential for ensuring research integrity, transparency, accessibility, and long-term preservation. Research Data Management (RDM) refers to the organization, storage, documentation, preservation, sharing, and reuse of research data throughout the research lifecycle. Funding agencies, research institutions, and scholarly publishers increasingly require researchers to adopt sound data management practices and make research data available for verification and future use. Academic libraries have emerged as important partners in supporting Research Data Management activities. In addition to their traditional roles in information organization and access, libraries are increasingly involved in data curation, repository management, metadata creation, data preservation, and researcher training. Consequently, library professionals are expected to develop competencies relating to research data services and digital scholarship support. Despite the growing importance of RDM, many academic libraries continue to face challenges in implementing effective data management services. Factors such as limited awareness, lack of training, inadequate infrastructure, and absence of institutional policies often hinder successful adoption. Understanding the current status of RDM services is therefore essential for strengthening research support functions in academic libraries. Against this backdrop, the present study examines awareness, practices, and challenges relating to Research Data Management Services among academic library professionals. REVIEW OF LITERATURE Research Data Management (RDM) has emerged as a significant area of scholarly communication and research support services. Tenopir et al. (2017) reported that academic libraries worldwide are increasingly involved in providing data management services, including data curation, repository management, and researcher support. Their study emphasized the growing role of libraries in facilitating research data preservation and accessibility. Cox and Pinfield (2014) observed that Research Data Management has become an important component of academic library services. They highlighted the need for librarians to develop new competencies in data stewardship, metadata creation, and digital preservation. Akers and Doty (2019) found that while awareness of RDM services is increasing among library professionals, many institutions continue to face challenges relating to infrastructure, staffing, and policy development. The study emphasized the importance of professional training and organizational support. Federer (2018) argued that effective research data management contributes to research transparency, reproducibility, and knowledge sharing. The study identified academic libraries as key stakeholders in supporting open science and responsible research practices. Recent studies have focused on librarian preparedness for RDM services. Kim and Adler (2022) reported that many library professionals recognize the importance of RDM but often lack specialized training in data management and curation. Similarly, Corrall, Kennan, and Afzal (2023) emphasized the need for continuous capacity building to support evolving research data requirements. The growing emphasis on Open Science and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles has further increased the importance of RDM services. UNESCO (2023) highlighted the role of academic institutions and libraries in promoting responsible data management practices and enhancing research accessibility. Overall, the literature demonstrates that Research Data Management is becoming an essential service area for academic libraries. However, challenges relating to awareness, infrastructure, skills, and policy implementation continue to affect the effective delivery of RDM services. RESEARCH GAP Existing studies have examined the importance of Research Data Management and the evolving role of academic libraries in supporting research activities. However, limited empirical research has focused on the awareness, practices, and challenges relating to Research Data Management Services among library professionals in the Indian higher education context. Furthermore, variations in preparedness, institutional support, and service implementation remain insufficiently explored. Therefore, the present study seeks to examine the current status of Research Data Management Services in academic libraries and identify the factors influencing their effective adoption. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The present study aims to examine Research Data Management Services in academic libraries. The specific objectives are: To assess the level of awareness regarding Research Data Management among library professionals. To examine the existing Research Data Management practices in academic libraries. To identify the major challenges affecting the implementation of RDM services. To analyze the preparedness of library professionals for providing RDM services. To suggest measures for strengthening Research Data Management Services in academic libraries. 5. HYPOTHESES H₁: Educational qualification is significantly associated with awareness of Research Data Management among library professionals. H₂: Professional experience significantly influences preparedness for providing RDM services. H₃: Participation in RDM-related training programmes is significantly associated with the adoption of RDM practices. H₄: Significant differences exist among experience groups regarding perceptions of RDM service effectiveness. METHODOLOGY The study adopts a descriptive survey research design. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 200 library professionals working in university, government, aided, and private college libraries across Andhra Pradesh. Purposive sampling was employed to select respondents actively involved in library and information services. The questionnaire included items relating to awareness of Research Data Management, existing RDM practices, preparedness, challenges, and institutional support mechanisms. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Percentage analysis and mean scores were used to assess awareness levels and respondent perceptions. The Chi-square test was employed to examine associations between selected demographic variables and RDM awareness, while One-Way ANOVA was used to identify differences in preparedness and perceptions across professional experience groups. Statistical significance was tested at the 5 percent level. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS Table 1: Demographic Profile of Respondents (N = 200) Variable Category Frequency Percentage Gender Male 114 57.0 Female 86 43.0 Qualification MLISc 124 62.0 M.Phil./Ph.D. 76 38.0 Experience Below 5 Years 44 22.0 5–10 Years 64 32.0 11–15 Years 50 25.0 Above 15 Years 42 21.0 Interpretation The respondents represented diverse educational and professional backgrounds. The majority possessed MLISc qualifications (62%) and 32 percent had 5–10 years of professional experience, ensuring adequate representation of academic library professionals. Table 2: Awareness of Research Data Management (RDM) Awareness Level Frequency Percentage High 72 36.0 Moderate 96 48.0 Low 32 16.0 Total 200 100.0 Interpretation The findings indicate a moderate level of awareness regarding Research Data Management among library professionals. Nearly half of the respondents (48%) reported moderate awareness, while 36 percent demonstrated high awareness of RDM concepts and practices. Table 3: Existing Research Data Management Practices
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