Barriers to uptake and use of data sharing systems at the University of Auckland - Identification of differences in researcher and academic librarian perceptions

Abstract

Research Problem: To identify the differences in researcher and academic librarian perception of barriers to the uptake of data sharing systems by researchers at the University of Auckland in order to address all possible barriers during implementation and improve researcher use of new systems.

Methodology: This study has a cross-sectional research design, using a mixed methods research strategy, in particular a sequential exploratory design where preliminary interviews with researchers and academic librarians informed the construction of an online survey tool distributed more widely to researchers and academic librarians within the University of Auckland. Statistical significance testing was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results: 103 survey responses were received from researchers, and 18 from academic librarians. There were observable differences in the relative impact assigned by researchers and librarians to the various factors that influence researcher decisions to share data. There are also significant differences in the perceptions of barriers to data-sharing between research disciplines.

Implications: There may be a need to improve communications between the library and researchers with regards to the tools and services that they can offer. Library staff may need additional training in support of University researchers, as a proportion did not feel confident answering questions about researcher data-sharing. The research discipline differences in perceptions of barriers to data-sharing mean that a “one-size fits all” strategy for education in and marketing of these services will not be the most effective strategy to address concerns and increase researcher engagement.