Major changes to US government public data
Actions by the US administration (Spring 2025) have led to the cessation or removal of numerous federal government open datasets, including those contributing to longstanding global data series. These changes particularly affect longitudinal Census, Social Science, and Public Health collections.
At the Bodleian Libraries we’re monitoring subsequent impact on collections and data integrity with guidance materials and catalogue records being revised where appropriate. In parallel, we’re updating information literacy training (iSkills) and tracking emerging projects that seek to preserve, rehome, and promote at-risk datasets such as the Data Rescue Project.
We strongly encourage any researchers affected by these changes — or who have insights or comment — to contact their subject librarian. Your contribution could help inform our local response and broader preservation efforts.
