Otago Biodiversity Data Management Project Part 1: Questionnaire Report

Abstract

The ‘Otago Biodiversity Data Management Project’ aims to establish the framework for managing and sharing Otago biodiversity primary research data. This 12-month Library funded initiative has the support of the University of Otago Life Sciences Departments, in association with the Ecology Teaching Programme and the Ecology, Conservation and Biodiversity Research Group. It is also aligned with one of the University’s ‘Emerging Research Themes’, addressing Ecology, Conservation and Biodiversity in New Zealand. One of the main Project activities is to survey the level of interest in data management and curation among University of Otago researchers with an interest in New Zealand biodiversity, and also to learn more about the current data management practices of these researchers. An online and print questionnaire, the Otago Biodiversity Project Questionnaire, was made available (between April and August 2008) to 170 Otago researchers, with an interest in biodiversity, including some non-University researchers. A total of 71 responses were received, representing a response rate of 42%.