Evaluating data sharing practices: A case study for federally funded research using FAIR standards
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29173/iq1161Keywords:
qualitative data, data sharing, reusability, surveyAbstract
While open science and access trends emphasize data sharing, the focus often prioritizes quantitative data. This emphasis leads to a lack of attention for sharing qualitative data and evaluating such practices. This paper examines both quantitative and qualitative data generated from a federally funded research project, led by the author, with an evaluation of its data management and sharing practices guided by FAIR principles. The research project aimed to develop assessment tools to understand undergraduate students’ academic experiences, including library use, and how these experiences shaped their definitions of academic success. Conducted at public research universities, the two-year project (2022–2024) collected both quantitative and qualitative data including students' personal definitions of success. Following the project’s completion, the author revisited the data management plan and data sharing policies to assess the data generated from the project, guided by FAIR standards. This self-evaluation highlights key findings and critical takeaways in the management and sharing of various types of data, addressing a significant gap in current discussions that often prioritize datasets itself. The findings offer actionable insights for researchers and information professionals, aiming to enhance data sharing, improve reusability, and refine their institutional practices.
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