Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 IT Management Associate Professor, Department of Information Technology, Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc), Tehran, Iran
2 PhD in Information Science and Knowledge Studies, Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc), Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jkrs.2025.20686
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates the perspectives of graduate students who use the National System for Registration of Theses, Dissertations, and Proposals (NSRTDP) regarding the uploading digital research data and source code associated with their academic works to the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc), as well as their views on granting open access to these materials.
Methodology: Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 449 NSRTDP users through an online questionnaire. The responses were analyzed using SPSS software.
Findings: Fewer than half of the respondents supported uploading digital research data (45%) and source codes (39%) of their theses and dissertations to IranDoc at the time of registration, with many expressing reluctance or uncertainty. However, more than half of those who agreed to upload digital data (72.3%) and source code (73.7%) also supported granting immediate open access to these materials after upload. Notably, most respondents who initially opposed immediate open access to their digital data and source code expressed agreement with open access after a 12-month embargo period.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for further investigation into the factors influencing students’ willingness to upload and share digital research outputs. They also highlight the importance of developing robust technical infrastructure to support such initiatives. These measures are essential for revising national science policy, advancing open science principles, aligning with international standards, and strengthening Iran’s participation in the global open science movement.
Value: This study is the first to examine graduate students’ perspectives on uploading digital research data and source code to IranDoc and on providing open access to these resources.
Keywords
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