Engagement with the RDA can enable libraries to redefine and expand their new roles and become an essential player in the area of research data management (RDM), data curation and preservation.
The RDA is a multi-disciplinary and cross-domain global initiative, offering an all-encompassing community of stakeholders. As the global community works towards the harmonisation of research data management, library professionals have skills and expertise which can contribute greatly to the development of best practices.
Libraries offer significant contributions to the RDA by:
- Augmenting and enriching the worldwide network of international data experts and information professionals to address data challenges via RDA groups;
- Contributing to the development and maintenance of high-quality, practical solutions for data interoperability in libraries across the globe, as well as addressing real-world challenges when creating and shaping RDA’s future Recommendations;
- Acting as the bridge and communication hub for all activities surrounding the data creation and publication lifecycle;
- Acting as RDA adopters who amplify, direct, and promote RDA Recommendations for the greatest effect and utility in libraries.
Libraries offer access to knowledge and data of the past, present and the future to their physical and virtual visitors every day and preserving cultural and scientific heritage for the long term. In this digital age, the focus, position and tasks of libraries are rapidly changing and they need to deal more and more with a growing amount of data. Many libraries around the world are stepping into new roles and reviewing their value propositions.
Library and information service professionals within RDA are one of the largest single stakeholder groups in the community. There are many on-going activities in RDA of interest to libraries and their staff, and it is clear that libraries are taking the initiative in addressing the technical and social infrastructure needed to enable and sustain open research.
How can libraries engage?
- Encouraging staff and colleagues to join RDA and become involved in and/or create Working and Interest groups
- Joining RDA as an organisational member and helping influence RDA’s direction while also assisting in the implementation and adoption of RDA’s Recommendations
- Follow and contribute to the RDA and Librarianship Archival Science and Information Service
- Send library representatives to the RDA’s Plenary Meetings
- Adopt an RDA Recommendation or Output