Open government data (OGD): challenging the concept of a “Designated Community”
ISSN: 0956-5698
Article publication date: 1 December 2020
Issue publication date: 20 May 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the curation of government-produced datasets for release as open government data (OGD) from the perspective of the digital curation and preservation concept of a “Designated Community”. Specifically, it explores how digital curation functions when there is no clear Designated Community to which curation services can be targeted.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted through a case study of the City of Toronto’s efforts to revitalize their OGD program. Data was collected using three methods: semi-structured interviews, non-participative observation and document analysis.
Findings
The curators of OGD responded to the absence of a Designated Community through two complementary methods. The first was to draw from the discourse that defines the OGD domain. The second was to take a participatory approach that incorporated members of the community surrounding OGD and various other stakeholders into the process of developing a plan for the revitalization of the program.
Research limitations/implications
This study opens new directions for investigating the application of the Designated Community concept and its role in digital curation and preservation.
Practical implications
The approach used by OGD curators in this case has the potential to be used in other curation situations where there is no clearly defined user group.
Originality/value
The findings presented in this paper contribute empirical insights to on-going discussions on the concept of a Designated Community in digital curation and preservation.
Keywords
Citation
Moles, N. (2021), "Open government data (OGD): challenging the concept of a “Designated Community”", Records Management Journal, Vol. 31 No. 1, pp. 18-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/RMJ-10-2019-0065
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited