Open data is a global movement to make public information more accessible. Toronto Public Library makes library data sets freely available to the public and provides programs and community events that promote open data.
What is open data?
Open data is data that is free to use, easy to share, accessible and creates community engagement.
The concept of open data is part of a growing global movement to make public information more accessible. Providing information to the public through open data programs is intended to lead to more accessible, accountable and transparent government.
Open data is used to address social inequality, building smart city projects such as the best traffic routes and is also used to find great hiking trails. The possibilities are endless in what you can do with open data.
Providing open data further demonstrates how libraries are leaders in information sharing and championing civic engagement.
Open data sets
Toronto Public Library's open data sets are published on the City of Toronto's Open Data Portal.
Toronto Public Library data sets available include:
- Branch General Information
- Branch Programs and Events Feed
- Branch Space Rentals
- Card Registrations
- Circulation
- Circulation by Cardholder Type
- Visits
- Workstation Usage
- Z39.50 Library Catalogue
Past events
Reading lists
Blogs
- A Guide to Open Data
Additional resources
- Learn more about open data through LinkedIn Learning.
- E-Learning: Access free online services that can help you learn new skills.
- Toronto Public Library's Open Data Policy.
- Learn more about City of Toronto Open Data.
- Find public data and explore 2817 datasets published by the Government of Ontario in Ontario Data Catalogue.
- Search open data available through Open Government and Public Health Ontario.
- Examples of open data projects:
Contact us
Have you got questions or comments? Feel free to contact us by emailing planning@tpl.ca