Open data and open science
Open access to data, collections, information, and research output is a fundamental function of libraries: democratizing knowledge. By digitising and opening up collections and research output, libraries contribute to an inclusive, transparent, and innovative society in which heritage and knowledge are widely shared.
Open data
Ghent University Library states:
- digitized collections are open for reuse to the maximum extent possible
- metadata from library collections are open for reuse
A data portal is being developed to make the datasets easily accessible for various types of reuse. In the meantime, please contact the library if you are looking for a specific dataset.
Open Science
The University Library helps Ghent University researchers make the process and results of their research as accessible as possible. This allows other scientists and society to verify, reuse, and build upon it.
As a university library, we have been contributing for many years to actively promoting and facilitating an open access model that is free for both authors and readers (diamond open access). In this way, we contribute to a fairer, more diverse, and more open knowledge ecosystem.
Metadata exports on a daily basis
The following data sets are made available on a daily basis.
The Ghent University Library catalog provides descriptive information about the local library collections, including books, journals, and other materials held by UGent libraries. Format: MARC XML
- UGent Library catalogue ~ 11.18 GB text file
- Google Books catalogue ~ 500 MB text file (only Google digitized books)
- Periodicals catalogue ~ 1 GB text file (only periodicals)
The Academic Bibliography contains metadata about the research output of Ghent University. Daily exports can be found on the API page of the Academic Bibliography.
All datasets are made available with an Open Data Commons Open Database License. You are free to copy, distribute and use the datasets; to produce works from the data sets; to modify, transform and build upon the data sets. As long as you attribute the data sets to the source, publish your adapted database with ODbL license, and keep the data set open (don't use technical measures such as DRM to restrict access to the database).