From policy to practice: Challenges and expertise needs in library research data management services

The aim of this study is to contribute the knowledge concerning the demands of providing advisory research data management services. This study examines the challenges and expertise required in the day-to-day work of information specialists. The study is based on qualitative semi-structured interviews with six information specialists working in five different university libraries. Qualitative content analysis is conducted to analyse information specialists’ experiences on the challenges and expertise needs for providing research data management services. The challenges discussed by the information specialists were related to staff availability and competencies, client scholars’ attitudes and disciplinary practices, client scholars’ awareness of available services, and the organization and division of labour within data management support services. Areas of expertise include competencies in conducting research, knowledge of policies, legislation and research ethics, technological proficiency, and interpersonal skills. As organizations, research policies, funders, and publishers increasingly demand more comprehensive data management practices, the role of information specialists is to facilitate and support scholars in meeting these requirements. The growing need for services that support complex processes, and diverse disciplinary practices intensify the challenges. Consequently, new areas of expertise, including AI, are required within the profession to respond to these evolving demands.