The research data experience began at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) when the Australian National Data Service (ANDS) approached us to see if we would be part of Seeding the Commons. Before this, USC had no data management in place, with individual researchers and faculties managing data in an ad hoc fashion. The Seeding the Commons project, funded by ANDS in 2011, was an eye-opener. We, the Library, suddenly realised the value of research data and the importance of managing it in a coordinated and professional manner.
The challenge then was to convince the rest of the University.
Over the ensuing five years, we have had many uphill battles with a few wins. Our biggest hurdles were where we least expected them. We are still trying to communicate the research data message.