The Research Data Management (RDM) journey

at Unisa

Ronell Bezuidenhout

Introductory

This presentation provides a rudimentary understanding of the current status, developments, plans and goals with regards to Research Data Management at Unisa

Unisa Library Project : Background

• Tasked to investigate Data Curation

• This investigation commenced as a pilot project

Library: Submit files or the objects to the workflow or system

Researchers & Research Committee: •Submit the raw research data to the Library •Within submission it will have guideline to submission, disclaimer, usage statistics, terms and conditions

Graduate and Research Office, Researchers & Library: •Check data •Access levels are discussed

Library: •Access levels assigned to data objects by Library •Data submitted to live archive •Ready for usage

Data usage: •Access to users managed by Library •Usage statistics

College of Graduate Studies: To assist with the collection of raw data

Proposed Pilot Workflow .

Past milestones achieved

• Business case

• Business requirements

• RDM survey

RDM Survey The library conducted and completed a survey report on Research Data Management practices at Unisa : https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BGX9L2N 70% of the respondents were willing to submit data and 30 % were uncertain and below are some of their reasons why not: • Confidentiality was considered when planning the research • Sensitivity and ethical concerns • Depends on the project at hand, but it could also be used out

of context

Investigation & Testing of DSpace for RDM

• Investigation Tasks

– Invite test researchers/participants

– Data gathering and identify datasets for curation

– Commence consultation with stakeholders on submission guidelines

– Metadata gathering and data deposit form

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Bataki ba Tshwane: Commitment to partake in Jacaranda Arts Festival exhibition Herewith I, ………………………………………………………………………………………… undertake to participate in the Jacaranda Arts Festival taking place from 26 April - 2 May in Pretoria, by supplying at least 2 works of art that will be available for delivery by Wednesday the 31st of March 2010. Photographs of the works may be used by the organisers for marketing purposes. Oil paintings on canvas should be fitted on a stretch frame. Other drawings, prints from wood or lino cuts should be mounted. Titles of the works and asking prices should be provided with the submission of the works. I shall also take part in the exhibition as a working artist for at least two days during the exhibition. Whereas the organisers of the Jacaranda Arts Festival will provide 24-hour security guards and will take special care in handling the works, they cannot be held liable for any mishaps that may occur. Works submitted to the exhibition (Title, medium and asking price) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………….. (Signed) …………………………………………………………………………… (Date & place)

Unfamiliar Data Types - Examples

• Chirascan data

Unfamiliar Data Types - Examples

• Structural data

Policy

Strategy

Develop a strategy for RDM at Unisa

• Convene RDM Seminar for the Unisa RDM Task Team

• Drive the drafting of Unisa RDM strategy in collaboration with the Research Department and other stakeholders

• Submit RDM Strategy to SRIHDC

Create an awareness on RDM

• Develop a LibGuide on Data Management

• Organise a workshop for client services staff

• Organise a workshop for researchers

Researchers need help to manage their data. This is a really exciting opportunity for libraries….”

Liz Lyon, VALA 2012

Today’s library collection

Research Data is now an

integral component of today’s

library collection

Ilustration credit: Ainsley Seago

Acknowledgements

• Fellow-colleagues on the Unisa Library’s RDM Workgroup