Perceptions of LIS Professionals about Data Curation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kaushik, Anna

Affiliations: Deputy Librarian, Central Library, University of Kota, Rajasthan, India. (E): [email protected]

Abstract: Due to rapid growth of different types of data, scholarly publications, and scientific research, vast amount of data is being produced but managing this data for future use is a huge challenge for libraries and library and information science (LIS) schools and professionals. Thus, there is an urgent need to adopt an effective mechanism or method to collect, store, arrange, preserve, and utilize this data in the future. This article aims to learn the perceptions of the library and information professionals about data curation activities through a survey. The results of the study revealed that the majority of LIS professionals were working in academic libraries as librarians but are slightly aware about data curation concept from the first year. Most of these LIS professionals are involved in data curation activities due to their job responsibilities but majority of them lack adequate skill sets for the same. The results of the study also disclosed that large numbers of LIS professionals were involved in metadata activities, awareness towards data curation activities which can be developed by adding data curation concept in the curriculum of library and information science courses, and skills regarding data curation activities will be mandatory to the LIS professionals in future.

Keywords: Data curation, Library and information science professionals, Perceptions, Skills, Survey, Data curation activities, Awareness, Involvement

DOI: 10.18329/09757597/2017/10207

Journal: World Digital Libraries - An international journal, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 89-98, 2017