The Paradoxes of Open Data in Libraries, Archives and Museums

The Paradoxes of Open Data in Libraries, Archives and Museums Museums, libraries and archives have been releasing digital collections records and media as open data for decades. 'Open GLAM' images, metadata and other media have been used for a range of creative, research, commercial and teaching purposes. So why aren't more GLAM collections openly available? This talk discusses some of the paradoxes of open data in GLAM in the UK, including: The lack of robust, sector-wide shared infrastructure providing long-term access to GLAM collections, despite decades of evidence for its value and the difficulties many institutions have in maintaining individual repositories The tension between making data open for exploration and re-use (including, inevitable, generative AI), while respecting copyright and the right of creators to receive income from their writing, art, music, etc. Balancing the FAIR principles - making open collections Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable - with the CARE principles for Indigenous Data Governance, to support Indigenous people in 'asserting greater control over the application and use of Indigenous data and Indigenous Knowledge for collective benefit'. Operationalizing the CARE principles might require an investment of time in building relationships and trust with Indigenous communities before releasing open data - or perhaps choosing to keep data closed in some ways - that counters the urge for speed. The need for financial models to fund collections digitisation that don't rely on individual users paying for access to collections and the overhead required to provide evidence for the use and impact of open data While issues like infrastructure and interoperability are technical, the more difficult issues are those linked to organisational culture. In particular, the CARE Principles require an investment in relationships - and true openness to the changes that Indigenous Data Governance might require. The case for open data must be continually remade as financial and intellectual arguments for limiting open data re-emerge. Panel abstract The panel, 'Openness in GLAM: Analysing, Reflecting, and Discussing Global Case Studies' explores diverse dimensions of openness within the galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) sector globally, shaping discussions about accessibility, inclusivity, participation, and knowledge democratisation. Cultural heritage institutions are responsible “to all citizens”. Yet there are gaps relating to collections, knowledge, policy, technology, engagement, IP, ethics, infrastructure and AI.