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Research data management: a conceptual framework

Dimple Patel (Library and Information Science, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala, India)

Library Review

ISSN: 0024-2535

Article publication date: 4 July 2016

5705

Abstract

Purpose

Research data management (RDM) is gaining a lot of momentum in the present day and rightly so. Research data are the core of any research study. The findings and conclusions of a study are entirely dependent on the research data. Traditional publishing did not focus on the presentation of data, along with the publications such as research monographs and especially journal articles, probably because of the difficulties involved in managing the research data sets. The current day technology, however, has helped in making this task easier. The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for managing research data at the institutional level.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the significance and advantages of sharing research data. In the spirit of open access to publications, freeing research data and making it available openly, with minimal restrictions, will help in not only furthering research and development but also avoiding duplication of efforts. The issues and challenges involved in RDM at the institutional level are discussed.

Findings

A conceptual framework for RDM at the institutional level is presented. A model for a National Repository of Open Research Data (NRORD) is also proposed, and the workflow of the functioning of NRORD is also presented.

Originality/value

The framework clearly presents the workflow of the data life-cycle in its various phases right from its creation, storage, organization and sharing. It also attempts to address crucial issues in RDM such as data privacy, data security, copyright and licensing. The framework may help the institutions in managing the research data life-cycle in a more efficient and effective manner.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author is grateful to Mr S.A. Ali for his invaluable contribution to the paper.

Citation

Patel, D. (2016), "Research data management: a conceptual framework", Library Review, Vol. 65 No. 4/5, pp. 226-241. https://doi.org/10.1108/LR-01-2016-0001

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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