The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has unveiled a comprehensive analysis shedding light on the realities of academic data sharing through its Realities of Academic Data Sharing (RADS) Initiative. Titled "Publicly Shared Data: A Gap Analysis of Researcher Actions and Institutional Support throughout the Data Life Cycle," the report offers valuable insights into the intersection of researcher practices and institutional support in the realm of data management and sharing.
Funded by a 2021 US National Science Foundation (NSF) EAGER grant, the RADS Initiative is a collaborative endeavor involving ARL and six prominent academic institutions comprising the Data Curation Network (DCN). Cornell University, Duke University, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Virginia Tech, and Washington University in St. Louis constitute the core RADS institutions driving this pioneering initiative.
The newly released report underscores the critical role of institutional support in facilitating seamless data sharing practices among researchers. Drawing upon data gleaned from surveys administered to administrators and funded researchers within the participating institutions, the analysis sheds light on potential service gaps that may impede effective data sharing throughout the research lifecycle.
Key highlights of the report include: • Insights into the spectrum of services and activities provided by institutional units tasked with data management and sharing (DMS) support. • A comprehensive overview of researcher actions and institutional support mechanisms at play in enabling the sharing of research data.
The findings presented in the report are poised to inform institutional strategies aimed at bolstering support for researchers navigating the complexities of data sharing. With federal mandates on data sharing gaining momentum, institutions stand to benefit from leveraging the insights offered by the RADS Initiative to enhance compliance efforts and advance broader objectives in open science.
The report, available for download, serves as a valuable resource for institutions seeking to optimize resource allocation for research data management and sharing services, thereby fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration in academic research.
Managed by ARL in collaboration with the DCN, the RADS Initiative represents a concerted effort to address the evolving landscape of academic data sharing, catalyzing meaningful dialogue and actionable insights aimed at enhancing research outcomes and promoting knowledge dissemination.
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