Open Data Policy

Effective Date: October 28, 2024

Policy Objective

This policy establishes the guiding principles by which Toronto Public Library data is to be made available to the public in Open Data format (see Definitions section of this document). The Open Data Policy is meant to eliminate barriers and provide free and equitable access to library data so that members of the public use and are encouraged to collaborate with Toronto Public Library. The Open Data Policy aligns with Toronto Public Library’s values of accountability and innovation.

Scope

The Open Data Policy applies to information provided by Toronto Public Library and made available through the City of Toronto Open Data Portal.

Toronto Public Library’s Open Data Policy will:

  • provide a mechanism to grant access to the public Toronto Public Library’s Open Data sets;
  • set minimum requirements and standards for an Open Data set to be deemed ready for public release;
  • describe supporting documentation and appropriate licensing for use by the public.

Underlying Principles

Toronto Public Library adopts the following guiding principles for Open Data and recognizes these principles as providing the necessary structure for public sector engagement with open government and to ensure that data is open, accessible and reusable:

  1. Open by Default: Open Data should be open by default unless it compromises personal data or privacy rights.
  2. Meets Quality Thresholds: Open Data must be comprehensive, accurate, timely and of high quality.
  3. Accessible and Usable: Open Data should be easily discoverable and made available without administrative barriers.
  4. Comparable and Interoperable: Open data should be in structured and standardized formats that enable comparison between sectors, locations, and over time.
  5. Non-proprietary: No entity has exclusive control over the data sets.
  6. Long Term Preservation of data sets: Open Data should remain online, with appropriate version tracking and archiving over time.
  7. Usage Costs: Open Data is to be made available free-of-charge.
  8. Inclusive Development and Innovation: Supporting Torontonians to access and use Open Data is part of Toronto Public Library’s commitment to providing digital literacy and technology access services that meet community needs.

These principles are derived from the International Open Data Charter (ODC). The ODC is the result of an international collaboration developed to help governments maximize Open Data. A version of these principles were adopted by the City of Toronto and are modified to reflect the licensing arrangements of Toronto Public Library.

Toronto Public Library also acknowledges and supports the City of Toronto’s Open Data Policy, and its principles.

Policy Statement

Toronto Public Library aspires to have an Open by Default orientation as part of a comprehensive approach to making data more readily available to the public. This orientation fosters greater opportunities for co-creation, co-delivery and an open source approach to the development of Toronto Public Library’s Open Data.

Toronto Public Library’s Open Data will meet specific minimum requirements in order to be available. Availability, minimum requirements and the supporting documentation are described below.

  1. Availability   
    • 1.1 Links to data sets are available at the City of Toronto’s Open Data Portal (see References).
    • 1.2 Additional data sets will be released as determined by Library staff based on the following considerations:
      • Public demand;
      • Value to the library sector including academia;
      • Resources required to extract and format data; and
      • Library Open Data is subject to the Open Government Licence of Toronto Public Library.
  2. Minimum Requirements Data sets released as Open Data will meet the following requirements:   
    • 2.1 Does not include personal information protected pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
    • 2.2 In a file format that is accessible and recognized as being reasonably appropriate for Open Data;
    • 2.3 Part of a Data set generated by Toronto Public Library and upon which Toronto Public Library relies;
    • 2.4 Machine readable (see Definitions, below);
    • 2.5 Not subject to any legal (including contract), public safety, or other restrictions that would prohibit Toronto Public Library from releasing it as Open Data;
    • 2.6 Meet other requirements based on the City of Toronto’s Open Data Policy.
  3. Supporting Documentation - Data Dictionary Each Data set will include explanatory reference documentation in the form of a data dictionary. The data dictionary will include the following elements:  
    • 3.1 A list of available columns;
    • 3.2 A short description of each column, and;
    • 3.3 A description which includes the rate of refresh and other useful information for users.
  4. Communication   
    • 4.1 Toronto Public Library maintains an open channel of communication with community members and encourages members of the public to contact Toronto Public Library with suggestions regarding the release of data. Customers can provide feedback on data sets to the Toronto Public Library.

Accountability

The Director of Policy, Planning & Performance Management is responsible for ensuring data provided to the City of Toronto Open Data Team is posted on the City of Toronto Open Data Portal in accordance with this policy.

References

Definitions

Open Data:
Data that is freely available for anyone to use and republish as they wish, without restrictions.
Data set:
A collection of raw, non-manipulated data with associated metadata, and which is machine readable.
Machine Readable:
In a form that a computer can process.

Contact

Director
Policy, Planning and Performance Management

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