The Role Of A Data Librarian In Academic And Research Libraries

Introduction. This paper presents a data librarian role blueprint (the blueprint) in order to facilitate an understanding of the academic and research librarian's role in research data management and e-research.Method. The study employed a qualitative ase research approach to investigate the dimensions of the role of a data librarian in New Zealand research organizations, using semi-structured interviews as the main data collection instrument.Analysis.A data analysis spiral was used to analyse the interview data, with the addition of a job analysis framework to organize the role performance components of a data librarian.Results. The influencing factors, performance components and training needs for a data librarian role form the basis of the blueprint.Conclusions. The findings which are reflected in the blueprint provide a conceptual understanding of the data librarian role which may be used to inform and enhance practice, or to develop relevant education and training programmes.