Abstract
This paper will examine the concept of open data and data sharing in an archaeological context. The Open Knowledge Foundation [1]
states that: “Open means anyone can freely access, use, modify, and share for any purpose (subject, at most, to requirements that
preserve provenance and openness),”. In a cultural context the OpenGLAM initiative has worked on principles that are championed by
OpenGLAM [2] institutions [3], including how they should engage with the public about the reuse of their open data. As we can see the
focus is very much on openness for all and for all purposes and for archaeological data we must remember to ask: Who is it open for?
What is it open for? And how open is open. In order to discuss this I have formulated five questions that can be used to assess how open
an archaeological dataset is: Is the material published online, with metadata so that it can be searched and found? Is the material
published with an open license or in the public domain and is this clearly communicated in conjunction with the material? Does the creator
actively encourage reuse of the material and provide support for anyone who wishes to reuse it, free of charge? Is the material available
in an open machine readable format, that anyone can export/download? Is the material available through a welldescribed web service or
API (Application Programming Interface), that anyone has access to? [1] http://opendefinition.org [2] http://openglam.org/principles/ [3]
GLAM: Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums
states that: “Open means anyone can freely access, use, modify, and share for any purpose (subject, at most, to requirements that
preserve provenance and openness),”. In a cultural context the OpenGLAM initiative has worked on principles that are championed by
OpenGLAM [2] institutions [3], including how they should engage with the public about the reuse of their open data. As we can see the
focus is very much on openness for all and for all purposes and for archaeological data we must remember to ask: Who is it open for?
What is it open for? And how open is open. In order to discuss this I have formulated five questions that can be used to assess how open
an archaeological dataset is: Is the material published online, with metadata so that it can be searched and found? Is the material
published with an open license or in the public domain and is this clearly communicated in conjunction with the material? Does the creator
actively encourage reuse of the material and provide support for anyone who wishes to reuse it, free of charge? Is the material available
in an open machine readable format, that anyone can export/download? Is the material available through a welldescribed web service or
API (Application Programming Interface), that anyone has access to? [1] http://opendefinition.org [2] http://openglam.org/principles/ [3]
GLAM: Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2017 |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |
| Event | Computing Applications in Archaeology - Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States Duration: 14 Mar 2017 → 16 Mar 2017 http://2017.caaconference.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2017/03/CAA2017_Program_Abstracts.pdf |
Conference
| Conference | Computing Applications in Archaeology |
|---|---|
| Location | Georgia State University |
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Atlanta |
| Period | 14/03/2017 → 16/03/2017 |
| Internet address |