The Stellenbosch University (SU) Library and Information Service is an advocate of open data as demonstrated by the fact that it hosts SUNScholarData, the University’s open data repository. Open data is the act of making data openly accessible and shareable by everyone. Its advantages include ensuring transparent and efficient research and decision-making.
Every year, Figshare runs a survey on the state of open data in the researcher community and publishes a report, alongside the results of the survey.
The Library was invited to contribute a piece in this year’s Figshare report, The State of Open Data Report 2022. Samuel Simango, Manager of Research Data Services in the Library and Information Service wrote an article Preparing for South Africa’s proposed open data strategy: lessons from Stellenbosch University. In his article, Samuel discusses how SU ensures it is compliant with the core aspects of the national South African open data strategy that were postulated in the Proposed National Data and Cloud Policy. Samuel’s contribution can be read here.