Research Data Management Practices in Sir Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Abstract

The evolution of digital and communication technology has resulted in significant amounts of digital data, necessitating effective RDM services. This study investigated research data management (RDM) practices at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. The study sought to identify how research data are collected in the library and examined the types of research data collected as well as services provided to promote data use and reuse. A descriptive survey research design was employed, collecting data from 35 respondents via a Google form disseminated through WhatsApp. The findings revealed amongst others that the library has no data repository and research data collected are embedded inside materials ingested into the library's institutional repository. The most popular RDM service provided by the library was hosting data through the Institutional repository. Recommendations for the installation and deployment of the Data repository and for creating awareness of and highlighting the importance of data management planning services were postulated.