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

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

3. Open Library Data
Why?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Open Library Data
What?

9. BL Open & Research Data Timeline

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

11. Digital Scholarship Team

12. Datasets & DataCite

13. BL Labs

14. Delivery Platforms ethos.bl.uk . bnb.data.bl.uk data.bl.uk
ethos.bl.uk .
bnb.data.bl.uk
data.bl.uk

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Open Library Data
Questions?