Moving a brick building: UK libraries coping with RDM as a “wicked” problem

The purpose of this paper is to explore the value to librarians of seeing Research Data Management (RDM) as a “wicked” problem. Wicked problems are unique, complex problems which are defined differently by different stakeholders making them particularly intractable. Data from 26 semi- structured in-depth telephone interviews with librarians was analysed to see how far their perceptions of RDM aligned with the 16 features of a wicked problem identified from the literature. To a large extent RDM is perceived to be wicked, though over time good practices may emerge to help to “tame” the problem. How interviewees thought RDM should be approached reflected this realisation. The generic value of the concept of wicked problems is considered and some first thoughts about how the curriculum for new entrants to the profession can prepare them for such problems are presented.