Making data used in reporting stories available online, in addition to what appears in and alongside articles, would add value to newspapers and make them more relevant, TechDirt stated in an opinion article late Tuesday.

TechDirt states that newspapers “have access to all sorts of interesting and useful data – but traditionally, they've hoarded it and only used it as a resource for editors and reporters in creating stories.” Newspapers could argue that most, if not all, the data they have access to (such as crime statistics) comes from information and records that are open to the public – they just go to the trouble of collecting it all. What TechDirt points to is database journalism, and as newspapers aim to be online portals to their coverage areas, they are increasingly looking to incorporate databases as part of their online offerings.

Examples of database journalism from newspapers include the Los Angeles Times homicide map and the (Florida) Herald Tribune's special report on teacher misconduct.

However, the hurdle for newspapers is not whether they want to incorporate database journalism into their online offerings, the bigger problem is resources, TechDirt stated.

Eric Ulken, formerly editor for interactive technology at the Los Angeles Times, explained the difficulties of creating the Homicide Map in an article on the Knight Digital Media Center's Web site: “It took several months to secure the tech resources and a couple more months to create wireframes and spec out requirements for what would become the Homicide Map, with the help of a couple of talented developers and a project manager on part-time loan from the website's IT department. We were fortunate, of course: We actually had access to this kind of expertise, and since then we've hired a couple of dedicated editorial developers. I'm aware that others might not have it so good.”

For newspapers looking to build a data team, Ulken offered a top 10 list of tips. For his full article, and explanations, click here.

1. Find the believers.
2. Get buy-in from above
3. Set some priorities
4. Go of the reservation
5. Templatize
6. Do breaking news
7. Develop new skills
8. Cohabitate
9. Integrate
10. Give back