Research data management services (RDMS) is considered as an emerging and groundbreaking area for research libraries. A large number of studies focused on researchers’ perspectives of how they perform research data management practices. There are some studies that examine this important area of research from library and information science (LIS) professionals’ context, especially developing countries like Pakistan. Hence, this study addresses the gap and investigate the RDMS training needs, motivational factors, possible hindrances, and key reasons to support RDMS. A survey method was used and a self-developed questionnaire was prepared using Google Docs survey. The questionnaire link was shared with LIS professionals considering purposive sampling technique. The study highlights the main RDMS supporting reasons, needed training areas, best methods to get training, the motivational factors, and possible hindrances while planning and implementing RDMS. This study fills the gap and addresses research data management literature in developing countries’ context, especially Pakistan, and established that RDMS are poorly observed in developing countries and require some drastic steps to be launched and improved. Higher Education Commission/departments, university administrations, and donor agencies take such initiatives that research data should be openly available through repositories and the maximum number of training opportunities should be provided to LIS professionals.
Purpose
Continuous professional development is an essential in-service and on-going learning process that provides an opportunity to young and mid-career professionals to update and align their skills in connection with the contemporary needs of library users. This study aims to identify and synthesize the literature on continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for Pakistani librarians and information professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on descriptive literature review published by Pakistani researchers with specific reference to Pakistani librarians and information professionals.
Findings
The findings revealed that albeit many initiatives have been taken by library and information science (LIS) schools and professional associations for developing the capabilities of librarians and information professionals, however, these initiatives remained spasmodic and limited to developing surface-level skills. Some emerging areas need to be addressed including information/digital literacy, research data management, data analysis and visualization and the skills to establish institutional repositories.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to CPD literature contributed by Pakistani researchers and the efforts taken by LIS schools and professional associations.
Originality/value
There is an immediate need to initiate a cohesive approach involving key stakeholders and to establish a platform purely working for CPD of librarians and information professionals focusing on current and future needs. The finding will be helpful for drawing foundation guidelines by library associations, LIS schools and librarian’s parent’s organizations regarding CPD opportunities.
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