Open Heritage Data: An Introduction to Research, Publishing and Programming with Open Data in the Heritage Sector

Open Heritage Data: Unlocking Cultural Collections 🔓

In the digital age, heritage institutions hold vast amounts of data — from digitised photographs and archival records to museum catalogues and archaeological datasets. Open Heritage Data explores how this wealth of information can be opened up, shared, and reused for research, creativity, and public benefit. Written by Henriette Roued-Cunliffe, an expert in archaeology, teaching, and coding, this book offers a clear, practical introduction to the intersection of heritage and open data.

Why Open Data Matters in the Heritage Sector

Galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM) are increasingly making their collections available online. But simply digitising material is not enough. This book argues that true openness requires understanding the legal, technical, and social frameworks that govern data sharing. It examines the challenges and opportunities of open heritage data, showing how institutions and individuals can move beyond digitisation to genuine reuse and repurposing.

From Law to Code: What You’ll Find Inside 📚

The book is structured to guide readers from foundational concepts to hands-on practice. Early chapters cover the heritage landscape, including the roles of amateurs and institutions, and the laws that affect data access — such as copyright and data protection. Later sections explore how different GLAM institutions approach open data, and how users can engage with it through hackathons, Wikipedia, apps, and DIY maker culture.

Practical Data Skills and Programming

Roued-Cunliffe doesn’t just discuss theory; she provides practical exercises and examples. Readers learn basic data reuse techniques for images, maps, and charts, and discover how to combine art, archaeological records, and newspapers. The book also introduces fundamental data collection and cleaning methods, descriptive statistics, and timeline analysis. An appendix offers a gentle introduction to coding with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JSON, PHP, and Python — enough to start experimenting with heritage data.

Hands-On Learning with Real Examples

Throughout the book, case studies and examples bring the concepts to life. Whether it’s exploring how heritage hackathons generate new ideas or understanding the technical skills needed to work with open data, the material is designed to be accessible and actionable. The pedagogical approach makes complex topics approachable, even for those with limited technical background.

Who This Book Is For

This guide is ideal for heritage professionals, researchers, students, and enthusiasts who want to make better use of digital collections. It speaks to archivists, librarians, museum curators, archaeologists, and anyone interested in the digital humanities. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate open data portals or how to legally and ethically reuse cultural heritage material, this book provides a solid foundation.

Start Exploring Open Heritage Data

With its blend of philosophy, law, and practical code, Open Heritage Data is more than a textbook — it’s an invitation to participate in the evolving world of digital heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, you’ll find ideas and tools to help you unlock the potential of open data for research, creativity, and public engagement.