Open Data for Public Good: Interim Performance Report Year 1, July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017

Abstract

The Open Data for Public Good (ODPG) project began July 1, 2016. The purpose of ODPG’s work is threefold: 1. To prepare future and current public librarians to curate collections of open data of value to local communities, 2. To gain experience in building the necessary infrastructure and preservation environments to sustain open data collections for long-term sustainability of these valued assets, and 3. To make collaborate with open civic data providers on advocacy and outreach activities that increase awareness about, and use of open data by the public. Over the course of ODPG’s first year the goals of the project are being achieved through the development of new LIS and data science curriculum, as well as practical learning experiences for students enrolled at the University of Washington’s iSchool. ODPG’s curriculum development activities have focused specifically on new course modules for curating and responsibly managing open civic data. Practical learning experiences have also been facilitated in collaboration with a network of practicing information professionals from the public sector-- each of whom represent a municipal or state government agency engaged in ongoing open data initiatives that can directly benefit from the data expertise of an LIS workforce. We have completed the first year of our three-year program. During this past year we focused on: 1. Updating graduate-level data curation curriculum 2. Pairing students with external partners for field experiences both as Capstone projects and as summer internships 3. Outreach to external partners, potential partners, and the open data community