RDM implementation in most research libraries
Despite the many benefits that come with RDM as listed in 5.75 above, a number of studies have equally highlighted the challenges of RDM implementation in most research libraries. Furthermore, most of the challenges have been associated with research libraries in developing countries (Mathe, 2016; Pasipamire, 2017). Therefore, the study asked researchers to mention the challenges the MGGL faced as regards to RDM implementation. Researchers mentioned deficiencies in technology and infrastructure, human resource capacities, policy guidelines supporting RDM and poor data practices in terms of use, sharing and storage. The researchers further mentioned deficiencies in RDM advocacy and training and collaborations and partnerships.
These findings are collaborated by research librarians who equally agreed that there were deficiencies in human resource capacity, technology and infrastructure, legal and policy guidelines supporting RDM, collaborative partnerships and data practices regarding use, storage and sharing. The research librarians further added funding as a critical challenge to RDM implementation and a lack of researchers’ engagement. These findings are in tandem with (Mathe 2016) in an investigation on RDM roles in South African Research libraries who mentioned deficiencies in supportive policy guidelines, human resource capacities, technology and infrastructure and lack of funding as key challenges to successful RDM implementation. Moreover, (Phillip Ndhlovu and Thomas Matingwina 2018), while investigating the National University of Science and Technology’s readiness to curate digital materials, concluded that there were no supportive systems. According to the study, the research library was short of policy guidelines, technology and infrastructure, staff competencies and funding. Researchers were equally uncomfortable with sharing their data and engaging research librarians.