From FAIR Leading Practices to FAIR Implementation and Back: An Inclusive Approach to FAIR at Leiden University Libraries

Abstract

Leiden University (LU) adopted a data management regulation in 2016. The regulation embraces the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) principles. To implement the regulation a programme was established. The focus of the programme was initially to raise awareness and to set up services to make data Findable and Accessible and to train researchers on data management planning. In 2019, the programme entered its second phase, with an increased focus on Interoperable and Reusable data, and on implementing the machine-actionable aspects of FAIR data. This step is non-trivial, however, because of the fast-developing FAIR research data international research field that requires fast adoption of leading practices by support professionals with the adequate skills. In this paper we describe how LU aims to close the feedback loop between international bottom-up organisations such as GOFAIR, the Research Data Alliance and CODATA on the one hand and university staff engaged in developing and implementing emerging FAIR leading practices on the other. During processes such as these, it is of crucial importance to focus primarily on the needs of researchers. We describe how LU builds up its support for FAIR data before, during and after research through its involvement in leading practices, training and consultancy and end with recommendations for other universities wanting to implement the FAIR principles.

Research Data Management for Arts and Humanities

“…Most notably, it has fostered discussions about standards, data sharing, and licensing practices in disciplines which, traditionally, are not considered data-driven or standardisation-heavy -such as many of the disciplines belonging to the arts and humanities domain (Harrower et al 2020;Hettne et al 2018). Second -and this is partially in response to those critics who point out the costs as well as the crucial infrastructure and capacity preconditions of implementing FAIR data mandates -ever since the publication of the Turning FAIR Data Intro Reality 7 European Commission report, we see new research data-support structures emerging across Europe.…”

Embedded Librarians to Support Data Management Needs of a Multidisciplinary Research Program

“…The depth and duration of these interactions with researchers may range from shorter-term "project-based" interactions [9], to "deep dives" into the data practices of an individual or team [10,11], to long-term, "program-based" relationship-building and collaborations with a program or department [7]. Some of the outcomes of these service and support frameworks in an academic setting may include: Responsible Conduct of Research training [12]; data information literacy training [13]; data management plan consultations [14]; active data management infrastructure and training [15,16]; infrastructure and services for data curation [17] and alignment with FAIR data principles [18], and repository services and development [19,20].…”