A Content Development Plan for Datasets at the British Library
Resource type
Presentation
Creator (person)
Cope, Jez
Date published
April 21, 2024
Abstract
As a national library supported by public funds, it is essential that the British Library offers transparency into its plans for developing the national collection, and this is as true for data as it is for any other content. In 2017 the British Library launched its new Research Data Strategy which, building on previous strategies for datasets and research data going back to 2011, set out the vision "that research data are as integrated into our collections, research and services as text is today."
Six years on, following publication of our overall vision to 2030 "Knowledge Matters", we are developing the latest iteration of our strategy for datasets, in the form of the Datasets Content Development Plan (CDP). As the main vehicle through which we implement our Content Strategy for contemporary published content (i.e. that published since 1945), this reflects further progress towards integrating research data into the collection. A CDP sets out the scope and goals for a defined area of the National Collection along with an action plan for implementation during the period covered. As a format-based CDP, the Datasets CDP will cut across all areas of the collection to give a consistent approach to datasets, making use of the existing Content Strategy governance structures and communications channels to obtain buy-in and improve awareness.
As an example of how data curation practices in both Higher Education and Cultural Heritage contexts can be adapted to national libraries, I will give a short overview of the current status of the Datasets CDP, including its scope, principles, planned actions and early progress towards implementation.
Event title
18th International Digital Curation Conference
Publisher
The British Library