Stages of Change
When making research data available, the cooperation of the researcher/research group is a prerequisite. But is the researcher prepared to share his data? And if so, under which conditions?
When approaching a researcher it is of importance to understand which stage of change he finds himself in. Doesn't he see the importance? Or is he reluctant even? Maybe importance isn't the issue but doesn't he know where to start? Or have you found someone who is a real advocate of sharing research data? Anyway, the stage of change determines the intervention you can make as a data librarian. In the illustration below you see several stages of change a researcher/research group may fit into. The image is based on the so called Stages of Change1 model.
In the phase of acquisition it is sensible to approach those researchers most receptible to advice and support first. It seems wise not start with people who are reluctant. Finding the so called early-adopters in your organisation may be key2. To quickly move foward it is helpful if the prepared ones are well-known prepared ones with a sound scientific reputation.
At the moment that ambassadors stand up the chance of reaching the less prepared is much bigger. The less effort acquisiton takes, the more energy and time is left for carefully describing, storing and making research data available.
The University of Colorado Boulder3 has looked at the extent to which researchers are inclined to see the library as a partner in data curation. They conclude:
"Purposefully partnering with researchers
who are receptive to the idea of
library involvement in data
curation initiatives is wise"
The article3 shows that the belief system (background, norms, values) of the researcher is critical to whether he will accept library services. People who intrinsically believe that sharing research data is a good thing to do, are easier to approach and reach. Apart from this, a substantial difference in (sharing) culture between research disciplines exists. In earth sciences (from geology to climatology) a culture where sharing data is valued is already present.
A researcher/research group in stage of change 1 needs a different approach than a researcher in stage 2, 3, 4 of 5. During the third day of the course we will look at the elements of a succesful interventions together.
1. DiClemenet, C.C.,Prochaska, J.O. (1982). Self change and therapy change of smoking behavior: A comparison of processes of change in cessation and maintenance. Addictive Behavior. 7, 133-142.
2. Lage, K., Losoff, B., Maness, J. (2011). Receptivity to Library Involvement in Scientific Data Curation: A Case Study at the University of Colorado Boulder. Portal: Libraries and the Academy, 11(4), 915-937. Retrieved 10-12-2011 from
http://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/portal_libraries_and_the_academy/portal_pre_print/
current/articles/11.4lage.pdf
3. Read Write Web. (2007) Rethinking 'Crossing the chasm'. Retrieved 10-12-2011 from
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/rethinking_crossing_the_chasm.php
