M25 Group Open Library Data A British Library Perspective Neil Wilson Head, Collection Metadata, The British Library March 20 2017

Objectives To describe: Why The British Library offers open data What steps we have taken How we are developing our research data services

Open Library Data Why?

Context Increasing recognition of the importance of research data Research Councils UK policy European Commission's Digital Agenda for Europe G8 open data charter Access to data is central to: Living Knowledge British Library Data Strategy British Library Metadata Strategy

The Research Data Vision Our vision is that research data will be: As integrated into our collections, research and services as text is today Available online via tools supporting comprehension, analysis and visualisation by non-specialists

Open Data Objectives We offer open data to promote: Innovation & research – by removing unnecessary barriers Relevance of collections & services - to wider user communities New opportunities for collaboration & partnership - with researchers, commercial organisations & users

Open data reaches more users ensuring a greater return on investment Open Data Objectives Availability in open formats via key channels Offer greater opportunities for re-use Compliance with public sector best practice & legislation Open data reaches more users ensuring a greater return on investment OPEN DATA

Open Library Data What?

BL Open & Research Data Timeline

British Library Data Strategy Data Management Data Creation Data Archiving and Preservation Data Discovery, Access and Reuse

Digital Scholarship Team

Datasets & DataCite

BL Labs

Delivery Platforms ethos.bl.uk . bnb.data.bl.uk data.bl.uk www.bl.uk/bibliographic/download.html ethos.bl.uk . bnb.data.bl.uk data.bl.uk

Achievements Increasing Access, Reuse & Relevance 1660 organisations in 119 countries use open services Collaborations with Microsoft, Fujitsu & UK Government on technical, standards & licensing challenges Linked Open BNB - Cabinet Office exemplar & Open Data Institute certification 95% user satisfaction rating – in 2016 survey

Lessons Learned? New users = new communications - expertise & familiarity vary greatly Document the data & offer samples - demonstrating possibilities via practical examples We must find reliable ways of: Licensing to support open services Supporting persistent IDs & assets Demonstrating wider value & attribution

Conclusions Open Library Data: Improves library visibility to new users - wider utility = greater perceived relevance & value Offers libraries new opportunities – via their authority, persistence & stability Requires sustained marketing & maintenance – beyond the hack day Can offer valuable development opportunities –staff & organisational

Open Library Data Questions?