Welcome to the User-centric Open Data Publishing Toolkit
How do you publish open data that people can use easily and effectively?
Open data is most often published in a form based on the preferences and decisions of the organisation that holds the data. However, these do not always support the needs of potential users, leading to under-utilisation of much open data. Based on 100s of implementations and 1000s of hours of research by practitioners and researchers at the Open Data Institute and King’s College London, this toolkit:
Leads you through the open data publishing process informed at all times by consideration of what users want and need from open data;
Enables research-informed decision making;
Highlights case studies of engagements between the ODI and clients addressing specific areas of open data publication;
Offers specific guidance for low-resource publishing groups such as citizen science and community groups
How to use this toolkit
Throughout the toolkit you’ll find
· Hands on, practical guidance
· Tools and checklists for every stage of the publishing process
· Signposts to more indepth information
You can either work through the toolkit from beginning to end, or jump in to the part that is relevant to your particular stage in the open data publication journey.
How can we help you publish your open data?

I just need to publish data quickly and legally!
Take a look at our guide to 'Publishing in a Crisis' for a short term fix

I am already publishing open data
This toolkit will help at any stage of the process, but you may find it useful to start with our Open Data Maturity Model to assess your process and identify areas of improvement
We assume that users of this toolkit will be familiar with the basic foundations of open data. But if you’re not, don’t worry – start here
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