Librarian Roles in Supporting Open Science and Data Stewardship: A Case Study of LIS Lecturers in Federal Universities in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the roles of Library and Information Science (LIS) lecturers in supporting Open Science and Data Stewardship in federal universities in North-Central Nigeria. A mixed-methods case study design was adopted, combining a structured questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. The study targeted the entire population of 96 LIS lecturers across seven federal universities, of whom 79 participated, representing an 82.3% response rate. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data from interviews and institutional documents were analyzed thematically to complement and contextualize the survey findings. The findings indicate that LIS lecturers demonstrate moderate to high awareness of Open Science and Data Stewardship and actively promote these practices through teaching, research supervision, advocacy for open access and support for institutional repositories.

However, the integration of Open Science into the LIS curriculum remains partial, while inadequate professional development, weak institutional policies, limited technological infrastructure and insufficient incentives continue to hinder effective implementation. The interview and document analysis findings corroborated the survey results, revealing that Open Science initiatives are largely driven by individual commitment rather than coordinated institutional frameworks. The study concludes that strengthening curriculum integration, institutional policies, professional capacity building and digital infrastructure is essential for advancing Open Science and Data Stewardship in LIS education. It recommends coordinated efforts by universities, the National Universities Commission and the Nigerian Library Association to institutionalize Open Science competencies and foster a sustainable culture of open and collaborative research in Nigerian universities.