A qualitative assessment of the eResearch Knowledge Centre’s support practices in the Human Sciences Research Council in Pretoria, South Africa

IF 1.1 Q3 INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE
Hanlie Baudin, Patrick Mapulanga
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to assess whether the current eResearch Knowledge Centre’s (eRKC) research support practices align with researchers’ requirements for achieving their research objectives. The study’s objectives were to assess the current eRKC research support services and to determine which are adequate and which are not in supporting the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) researchers. Design/methodology/approach This study uses interviews as part of the qualitative approach. The researcher chose to use interviews, as some aspects warranted further explanation during the interview. The interviews were scheduled using Zoom’s scheduling assistant. The interviews were semi-structured, guided by a flexible interview procedure and supplemented by follow-up questions, probes and comments. The research life cycle questions guided the interviews. The data obtained were coded and transcribed using MS Excel. The interview data were analysed, using NVivo, according to the themes identified in the research questions and aligned with the theory behind the study. Pre-determined codes were created in line with the six stages of the research life cycle and applied to group the data and extract meaning from each category. Interviewee responses were assigned to groups in line with the stages of the research life cycle. Findings The current eRKC research support services are aligned with the needs of HSRC researchers and highlight services that could be expanded or promoted more effectively to HSRC researchers. It proposes a new service, data analysis, and suggests that the eRKC could play a more prominent role in research impact, research data management and fostering collaboration with HSRC research divisions. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to assessing the eRKC’s support practices at the HSRC in Pretoria, South Africa. A more comprehensive study is needed for HSRC research services, capabilities and capacity. Practical implications Assessment of eRKC followed a comprehensive interviewee schedule that followed Raju and Schoombee’s research life cycle model. Social implications Zoom’s scheduling assistant may have generated Zoom fatigue and reduced productivity. Technical issues, losing time, communication gaps and distant time zones may have affected face-to-face interaction. Originality/value eRKC research support practices are rare in South Africa and most parts of the world. This study bridges the gap between theory and practice in assessing eRKC research support practices.
对南非比勒陀利亚人文科学研究委员会电子研究知识中心支持实践的定性评估
目的本文旨在评估当前电子研究知识中心(eRKC)的研究支持实践是否符合研究人员实现研究目标的要求。该研究的目的是评估当前的eRKC研究支持服务,并确定哪些是足够的,哪些不支持人类科学研究委员会(HSRC)的研究人员。设计/方法论/方法本研究采用访谈作为定性方法的一部分。研究人员选择使用访谈,因为有些方面需要在访谈中进一步解释。采访是使用Zoom的日程安排助理安排的。访谈是半结构化的,以灵活的访谈程序为指导,并辅以后续问题、调查和评论。研究生命周期问题指导了访谈。使用MS Excel对获得的数据进行编码和转录。根据研究问题中确定的主题,并与研究背后的理论相一致,使用NVivo对访谈数据进行了分析。预先确定的代码是根据研究生命周期的六个阶段创建的,并用于对数据进行分组并从每个类别中提取意义。受访者的回答被分配到与研究生命周期阶段相一致的小组中。发现当前的eRKC研究支持服务符合HSRC研究人员的需求,并强调了可以更有效地扩展或推广给HSRC研究者的服务。它提出了一项新的服务,即数据分析,并表明eRKC可以在研究影响、研究数据管理和促进与HSRC研究部门的合作方面发挥更突出的作用。研究局限性/影响本研究仅限于评估南非比勒陀利亚HSRC的eRKC支持实践。需要对HSRC的研究服务、能力和能力进行更全面的研究。实际含义eRKC的评估遵循了一个全面的受访者时间表,该时间表遵循了Raju和Schoombee的研究生命周期模型。社交暗示Zoom的日程安排助理可能导致Zoom疲劳和生产力下降。技术问题、时间损失、沟通差距和遥远的时区可能影响了面对面的互动。独创性/价值KC研究支持实践在南非和世界大部分地区都很少见。本研究弥合了评估eRKC研究支持实践的理论与实践之间的差距。
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来源期刊
Digital Library Perspectives
Digital Library Perspectives INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE-
CiteScore
3.90
自引率
11.80%
发文量
26
期刊介绍: Digital Library Perspectives (DLP) is a peer-reviewed journal concerned with digital content collections. It publishes research related to the curation and web-based delivery of digital objects collected for the advancement of scholarship, teaching and learning. And which advance the digital information environment as it relates to global knowledge, communication and world memory. The journal aims to keep readers informed about current trends, initiatives, and developments. Including those in digital libraries and digital repositories, along with their standards and technologies. The editor invites contributions on the following, as well as other related topics: Digitization, Data as information, Archives and manuscripts, Digital preservation and digital archiving, Digital cultural memory initiatives, Usability studies, K-12 and higher education uses of digital collections.
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