Dr Katie Wilson1, Associate Professor Lucy Montgomery1,2, Professor Cameron Neylon1,2, Dr Richard Hosking1,2, Dr Chun-Kai (Karl) Huang1, Dr Alkim Ozaygen1, Dr Rebecca N. Handcock1,2, Ms Aniek Roelofs1,2
1Centre for Culture and Technology (CCAT), Faculty of Humanities, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
2Curtin Institute for Computation (CIC), Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
Introduction
This study examines the impact of an open knowledge data dashboard for universities. The Curtin Open Knowledge Initiative (COKI) project, a Curtin University strategic research initiative, has collected more than 12 trillion pieces of information on university research and publication, funding and impact to understand the global performance of universities. COKI analyses open access and open data research output, collaboration and diversity in knowledge production, as critical elements of effective vibrant scholarly communication systems. To provide information COKI develops visual data dashboards, with narratives appropriate for different stakeholders.
Methods
In October 2019, COKI launched the first dashboard to universities in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2020 we undertook a research survey of dashboard users (1) to obtain feedback on the dashboard layout, navigation and the data incorporated therein; (2) to obtain understanding of existing scholarly communication policies, attitudes, practices and motivational insights – how institutions, library and research staff, researchers, executives and administrators might use the data.
Results
From the survey we obtained insights into researcher understanding of scholarly communication and publishing policies, options and practices at institutional levels. In the process, we became aware of the need for increased data literacy in relation to understanding the measures used to evaluate institutional research output used by global university rankings, and alternative methods.
Conclusion
COKI identifies a need for cultural change at individual researcher and institutional levels. To achieve institutional literacy we must support the growth of that literacy across relevant institutional stakeholders through accessible data and analysis.
Biography:
Katie Wilson ORCID ID 0000-0001-8705-1027
Katie Wilson is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Culture and Technology, Faculty of Humanities, Curtin University with the Curtin Open Knowledge Initiative, where she is currently researching diversity, inclusion, equity and open access. She has a research background in Indigenous education and has held positions in academic libraries.
