Module 3.1: Selecting and Sharing Open Data

Introduction

In this module, we discuss selecting data for publication. For a library interested in making data available as open data, where might they begin? We will then examine how your library or a community organization may approach making data available and introduce the concept of a “data portal.”

Guiding Questions

  • How do we identify data that the library collects that could be useful to our communities?

  • How can we make data available?

Vignette

After conversations with local data intermediaries and community members, the public library believes that sharing their Wi-Fi access data through the local open data portal would be useful to the community. The librarian connects with the manager of the open data portal to begin the process of making data available through the portal.

Instructional Materials

Video

Module 3.1 Captioned Video: Selecting and Sharing Open Data

Video Files

Module 3.1 Captioned Video: Selecting and Sharing Open Data MP4 File
Module 3.1 Uncaptioned Video: Selecting and Sharing Open Data MP4 File

Script and Slide Deck

Script and Slide Deck Files

Module 3.1 Script: Selecting and Sharing Open Data Word Document File
Module 3.1 Script: Selecting and Sharing Open Data PDF File
Module 3.1 Slides: Selecting and Sharing Open Data PowerPoint File
Module 3.1 Slides: Selecting and Sharing Open Data PDFt File

Activities

We have two activities for this module, available here: Module 3.1 Activities

Resources

The Open Knowledge Foundation's Open Data Handbook describes the legal, ethical, and technical considerations present in an open data initiative. In this section, the authors offer guidance about choosing data for sharing, including strategies for engaging community members in the process. This page also overviews strategies for making data technically available to users online. Citation: Open Knowledge Foundation, “Make Data Available (Technical Openness)” in Open Data Handbook.
Bob Gradeck, Director of the Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center, offers guidance to libraries interested in hosting a digital platform for data publication. He describes the resources and input needed, as well as technical approaches for hosting data. Citation: Gradeck, B. (updated May 1, 2019). "8 Considerations for Libraries that Want to Open Data." Civic Switchboard Blog.

Last updated