Add list of all available data sources

[levyj]

Add some feature that allows for listing all data sources available without having to search or drill down by Business Function. I could imagine people getting frustrated because they were not sure what search term to use or what business function covered whatever they were trying to find. Also, there is a certain transparency value to a complete list, with which people can do as they like, even if it ends up being really long.

[tomschenkjr]

Want to encourage some further conversation on this topic...

We've had some feedback on data portal portal that the list format can be overwhelming. It's likely we'll have over 200 databases stored in the data dictionary. Providing a list can be helpful to clearly show what's there, but what are some ideas around making it a useful, not overbearing list?

Or is the best solution of having a user-defined, sortable list (e.g., by date posted, alphabetically)?

[gregsanders]

This doesn't need to be either-or. I think the home page could remain as-is, but with an option to "Show All" -- a list of all databases with "Expand" links to view the detail of any database.

[rebeccawilliams]

+1 to @levyj & @gregsanders

It's important to make a full list of datasets available through the dictionary, not only to provide more legibility for the user experience (roadmaps are helpful!), but also as an open government best practice and because it is consistent with Chicago's Open Data Executive Order.

1. Legibility as to what data is available is critical with so many disparate data locations. See the recent "Hidden Open Data" talk given at Open Gov Hack Night: http://www.smartchicagocollaborative.org/category/opengov-hack-night/
2. The Sunlight Foundation recommends a complete inventory of data holdings in their Open Data Guidelines: http://sunlightfoundation.com/opendataguidelines/#lists-of-holdings
3. Chicago's Open Data Executive Order calls for a full list of datasets available on the open data portal, making a full list of datasets available via the data dictionary is consistent with this idea. See the language here: "Administration of data portal. The City of Chicago data portal shall be administered by DOIT. DOIT shall (i) catalogue and post on the portal a list of all data sets available on such portal;"

[gregsanders]

I have to say I completely agree with this. "It's important to make a full list of datasets available through the dictionary". When we kick off our next phase of work, I'll certainly vote for making the Full List a high priority. (Okay Mr. Schenk?)

Thanks for your input.

[tomschenkjr]

Absolutely.As long as it can be incorporated without overwhelming users. The expandable list is very attractive in that regard.

Tagging this as "accepted" as part of the core development.