Enhancing data sharing through digitization and data management practices

Abstract

Enhancing data sharing in the digital age has become essential for organizations and research institutions. The study’s objective is to determine the role of digitization and effective data management practices in enhancing data sharing capabilities. A survey approach was used, and 196 librarians from Federal University libraries in South-East Nigeria were given copies of a questionnaire. The study achieved a response rate of 84.2%. The findings indicate more female (86, 52.1%) librarians. By analyzing case studies across Federal Universities in the South East Region of Nigeria, the research identifies key strategies that facilitate seamless data sharing. The findings highlight that digitization and data management practices can be improved to enhance data sharing. The study affirmed that depositing data into a central institutional repository with no restrictions, de-commercialization of publicly funded research outputs for easy data access and sharing practices, and supporting researchers in their data management planning were regarded as the top three strategies for improving digitization and data management for effective data sharing practices. The study concludes that developing institutional digitization and research data policies would enhance data sharing. This is important as digitized materials improve accessibility for a global audience, support the democratization of knowledge, and promote open data sharing across borders.