By Nonjabulo Ngcobo
https://yabelana.ukzn.ac.za
In today’s data-driven world, research output
includes more than just journal articles and theses. It encompasses datasets,
videos, posters, and even codes, yet many of these valuable assets remain
hidden on hard drives or departmental servers, unseen and unused.
What is FigShare (Yabelana) and why does it matter?
Yabelana is an online repository platform
designed to help researchers and institutions share research outputs in a
discoverable, citable, and open way. Yabelana supports any research output
format from raw datasets and figures to software and multimedia. Each item
uploaded receives a digital object identifier (DOI), making it easy to cite and
track. This simple yet powerful feature transforms FigShare from a mere storage
system into a platform for research visibility impact (Thelwall;2016).
Visibility in the age
of Open Research
Visibility is one of the biggest challenges in
academia. A study or dataset has little value if it remains unseen. FigShare tackles this by ensuring that every
uploaded item is
- Shareable:
researchers can easily distribute their work through direct links or social
media integration.
- Citable:
DOIs make each research output a legitimate reference in future publications.
By hosting research on FigShare (Yabelana), the
UKZN library extends its reach beyond institutional boundaries, connecting its
work to a global research audience.
From Metrics to
meaning: Tracking impact
One of Figshare’s standout features is its
analytics dashboard. Researchers and administrators can track:
- Views,
downloads, and citations of each research item.
- Geographic
reach of their content.
- Engagement
trends over time.
These metrics provide valuable insights into
how research is being used, shared, and discussed, giving concrete evidence of
research influence and visibility. These analytics also support research
evaluation, funding applications, and annual performance reports.
The IR Librarian's
role: Curators of visibility.
Librarians are the quiet champions behind the
successful FigShare/Yabelana repository. They:
- Train
researchers on how to deposit data and assign metadata properly.
- Ensure
compliance with open-access policies, copyright rules, data management plan.
- Curate
and categorize collections for discoverability.
By guiding researchers through the Yabelana
process, Librarians turn institutional outputs into globally accessible
knowledge. This elevates the library’s role from a traditional support unit to
a strategic partner in research dissemination.
Turning Research
storage into research impact.
Yabelana proves that visibility isn’t just
about uploading research; it is about presenting it in ways that invite
discovery, engagement, and reuse. When used strategically, it transforms a
university research repository into a showcase of academic excellence. For
researchers, Yabelana means greater recognition and more citations. For the
institution, it means a stronger global presence. And for the library, it
offers a modern stage to promote open access and data stewardship.
Conclusion
The days of research outputs gathering digital
dust are over. With FigShare, UKZN can shine a global spotlight on its
research, making it visible, citable, and impactful. As academic institutions
embrace open science, FigShare stands out as a bridge connecting libraries, researchers,
and the world in a shared commitment to accessible, discoverable knowledge.
References
Thelwall, M. and Kousha, K., 2016. Figshare: a universal repository for
academic resource sharing?. Online Information Review, 40(3), pp.333-346.
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