• DECEMBER 4, 2017
• Civic Data

Our #DataReads series curates links and examples for those looking for an introduction to a particular civic data topic.

Open data has emerged as a key theme as citizens push governments to become more transparent and efficient. If your city or department is considering new ways to make its data available, this resource guide will help get you started.

What is open data, and why are we talking about it?

According to the Open Data Institute, "Open data is information that is available for anyone to use, for any purpose, at no cost." Two major trends — the rise of the Internet and the exponential improvements in computer technology — have propelled interest in collecting and sharing public data accumulated by governments.

Transparency, however, is only part of the issue. In a recent report, McKinsey argued that wider access to public data could also help public officials analyze operations, increase efficiency, and spur innovation. "Open data can become an instrument for breaking down information gaps across industries, allowing companies to share benchmarks and spread best practices that raise productivity."

What are good examples of open data platforms in the public sector?

Many cities' data portals are linked at cities.data.gov.

Beyond Transparency, a free online book edited by Brett Goldstein and Lauren Dyson, offers a compelling summary of the open data landscape in America. Their book includes chapters on the open data process in Lousville, Chicago, and Oakland.

Are there any open data guidelines?

The Sunlight Foundation has published a comprehensive guide on best practices for publishing open data. It includes advice on drafting an open data policy, collecting and publishing data, and how to build private-public partnerships around open data platforms.

Socrata, a private company that works to publish government data, has also released an Open Data Field Guide. It includes advice from communications and data officers on a range of logistical and planning issues. For example, Chapter Six lists six steps in a "phased approach" for Open Data Implementation.

The San Diego Regional Library offers a report that compares Municipal Open Data Policies.

Where can I find technical assistance?

The World Bank's Open Data Essentials page includes a section on technical assistance. The list features a roster of open data experts, institutions that support open data, and useful Twitter hashtags, such as #opendata and #opengov.