In Aggregate: Trends, Needs, and Opportunities from Research Data Management Surveys

A popular starting point for libraries engaging in research data management (RDM) services is a needs assessment (NA); and a preliminary count identified more than fifty published NA case studies. However, no overarching analysis has yet been conducted. The authors compared assessments to characterize the case study institution types; establish the target population assessed; discover cross-institutional trends both in the topics covered and the issues identified; and determine remaining gaps in the literature. Thirty-seven studies conducted in the United States were included. Twenty-five were at public, Doctoral, Highest Research institutions. The most frequently assessed respondents were faculty (n= 3847). The most frequent topics involved storing, sharing, and maintaining long-term access to data. Gaps include assessing students, staff, and non-faculty researcher needs; determining needs at various sized and degree granting institutions; and investigating RDM needs for non-STEM disciplines.