> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://civic-switchboard.gitbook.io/guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://civic-switchboard.gitbook.io/guide/library-roles/connecting-data-producers.md).

# Connecting data producers

**What's the need?**

* Data producers, even when working in the same region, are often separated.
* Data producers may be facing similar problems, and may have solutions or complementary expertise to share.
* Together, data producers can develop solutions for challenges around data governance, data publishing and sharing. They can advocate for infrastructure. And they can standardize the descriptions and availability of their data.

**Why the library?**  

* As a community hub and an advocate for the social good, your library has the capacity to act as a convener and a bridge between networks. 
* Libraries have a special opportunity to include local groups that don’t traditionally see themselves as belonging to the data space.   

**What you can do:**

* Convene a data producers council / working group
* Host ecosystem mapping events that bring together local data producers 
* Hold workshops for organizations interested in publishing data. Topics could include data management, metadata, and privacy 

**Inspiration:**

* [Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library Case Study ](https://civic-switchboard.gitbook.io/guide/case-studies/charlotte-mecklenburg-public-library-charlotte-nc)
* [Pioneer Library System (Ontario County, NY) Case Study ](https://civic-switchboard.gitbook.io/guide/case-studies/pioneer-library-system-ontario-county-ny)
* [Alaska State Library Case Study](https://civic-switchboard.gitbook.io/guide/case-studies/alaska-state-library-juneau-ak)

**Resources you can use:**

* Civic Switchboard Guide, [Ecosystem Mapping](https://civic-switchboard.gitbook.io/guide/understanding/mapping-your-ecosystem)
* Arena, Olivia and Li, Crystal. **“**[Guide to Civic Tech and Data Ecosystem Mapping](https://medium.com/civic-tech-data-collaborative/the-civic-tech-and-data-collaborative-guide-to-civic-tech-data-ecosystem-mapping-f94bc1665548).**”**