Librarians Insights on Open Science and Research Data Management Practices for Sustainable Library Services Delivery in Nigeria

Abstract:  In the evolving landscape of academic and research libraries, the adoption of Open Science (OS) principles and effective Research Data Management (RDM) practices are critical for sustainable library service delivery. This paper reports a study that explored the awareness and understanding of Librarians in Nigerian universities on the concept of OS and RDM. The study further investigated the current RDM practices and the challenges to the adoption and effective implementation of open science and RDM practices in some selected Nigerian university libraries. The study employed a qualitative approach using convenience sampling technique where participants were selected based on ease of access, availability, and willingness to participate. The participants comprised of experienced librarians with interest in open science and research data management drawn from six (6) universities in Nigeria. An interview protocol was developed and sent to participants seeking their consent, assuring confidentiality and anonymity. Asynchronous email interviews were conducted with each participant. The findings showed that the librarians have a basic awareness of Open Science principles, but their understanding is fragmented, with varying degrees of comprehension regarding the full scope of open science practices. The participants also believe that there are varying levels of understanding of RDM practices among library staff in Nigerian Universities. The findings further revealed that the University Libraries are at varying stages in adopting RDM practices. Whereas three (3) University Libraries have made significant progress in the adoption of RDM practices, two (2) are in their early phases, while one (1) is yet to adopt any RDM in their services. The key challenges to RDM practices identified included technological limitations, absence of policy frameworks, insufficient training, and cultural resistance to data sharing and open access practices. Finally, the study recommends the need for developing robust institutional OS and RDM policies, strategic investment in infrastructure including institutional repositories (IR) and continuous capacity-building initiatives for librarians to ensure that libraries can fully support open science and research data management activities in Nigerian universities.