From FAIR Leading Practices to FAIR Implementation and Back: An Inclusive Approach to FAIR at Leiden University Libraries

Abstract

Leiden University (LU) adopted a data management regulation in 2016. The regulation embraces the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) principles. To implement the regulation a programme was established. The focus of the programme was initially to raise awareness and to set up services to make data Findable and Accessible and to train researchers on data management planning. In 2019, the programme entered its second phase, with an increased focus on Interoperable and Reusable data, and on implementing the machine-actionable aspects of FAIR data. This step is non-trivial, however, because of the fast-developing FAIR research data international research field that requires fast adoption of leading practices by support professionals with the adequate skills. In this paper we describe how LU aims to close the feedback loop between international bottom-up organisations such as GOFAIR, the Research Data Alliance and CODATA on the one hand and university staff engaged in developing and implementing emerging FAIR leading practices on the other. During processes such as these, it is of crucial importance to focus primarily on the needs of researchers. We describe how LU builds up its support for FAIR data before, during and after research through its involvement in leading practices, training and consultancy and end with recommendations for other universities wanting to implement the FAIR principles.