From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Daniel, John
Sent: 24 July 2017 12:19
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Open Data in Libraries

Hello,

In Newcastle Libraries (Newcastle upon Tyne), we publish some information as open data since March 2016. The aim is to publish everything we possibly can; though we have started the easy way with things we already collate, such as:

• visitor figures
• number of enquiries
• number of loans
• PC usage
• online resources usage
• list of titles in the catalogue
• list of items in the catalogue
• locations of libraries

You can see the full detail on our open data page at: https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/your-council-and-democracy/open-data-and-access-information/open-data/data-sets/libraries-data-sets We currently publish our open data "with metadata" on the Data Mill North (where it all looks nice and tidy), and the same plus some "untidy" data on GitHub (where the explanation of what the terms used in the data set mean is missing - simply because we haven't yet had time to write the metadata to go with it). If you visit our GitHub repository you will see some of the other data sets we're looking into but haven't put as much work in yet: libraries opening hours over the years, comments about our events from feedback forms, information about members (while obviously being mindful of protecting our users' personal information)... I would also be interested in publishing information about staffing levels and budgets - though as you can guess this may not be possible, or only in a limited way.

If you look for libraries data sets on the Data Mill North you will see there is also data from Leeds and Durham - if there is anyone from those library authorities on this list, I would be curious to know how much input you have had into your data being published there.

We have not had any problems with ownership of our data - our suppliers have said that the data belongs to us (though they might charge if we need their help getting it out of their systems!) At the moment the retrieval and publication of data is done manually rather than being automated - I'm not sure if that is what Helen Leech meant about the situation in Surrey?

My colleague Luke Burton and I are also interested in some kind of "standard" for how we publish our data sets (I think the technical people call it a schema). If several other library authorities start publishing data, can we make sure what we publish is easily comparable? Can we all publish the same things in the same way, so when a new library service gets onboard they can simply replicate what we have all agreed to do (e.g. same columns on the spreadsheet in the same order, counting the same thing) by using some kind of template and copying over the metadata (so they don't have to do that work when others have done it already)? If any of you are interested in this Luke and I would be keen for you to get in touch - Luke can be contacted on [log in to unmask] and myself on [log in to unmask]

Sorry if that's a bit of a long reply to your request, Colin, but I hope that helps answering your questions.

Kind regards,

Aude Charillon

Library and Information Officer

Newcastle Libraries

Here in Surrey, we don't have a Council-wide open data policy, although there is an open data website (http://data.surreycc.gov.uk/).  But we've been talking to our sister services about the issue.  It's of particular interest to our records office. 

We've been talking to library suppliers, but none of the big five have any plans which would allow us to make our LMS data open.  It looks like there will always have to be staff intervention to make our data open - something of a disincentive.

Regards

Helen Leech

Digital Services Manager

Surrey Library Service

From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Colin Duncan <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: 21 July 2017 12:28:30
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Open Data in Libraries