University Libraries is pleased to announce its newest workshop series--Data and Donuts! These workshops will help our students, faculty, and staff get new skills and improve their proficiencies with various data software, data management, data visualization, GIS and more. And of course we will provide coffee and donuts at each event! So don't miss out, check out the list below and register today to reserve your spot!
Workshops (all workshops are held in Alkek 452, 10-11:30 a.m.)
Introduction to NVivo for Qualitative Data Analysis (September 5) - This session, presented by Dr. Meena Kharatmal, provides an introductory overview of NVivo, a powerful qualitative data analysis software. Attendees will explore its core features, including data import, coding, thematic analysis, and visualization tools. The session includes a live demonstration to showcase how NVivo can be used to manage and analyze qualitative data efficiently. Register Now!
Intro to GIS (September 12) - Our own GIS specialist, Jose Anza Garcia will lead this workshop which covers a very basic overview of what GIS is and provides a hands-on guided demo of the ArcGIS Pro platform. First, attendees will receive a brief theoretical overview of GIS, its history, how it works, and examples of real-world applications. Then, they will have the opportunity to follow along in a basic workflow, going from raw spatial data to a final, professional map product. Along the way, attendees will receive a basic overview of how to complete basic tasks with ArcGIS, as well as the opportunity to ask questions in person and receive instant feedback. This session is best suited for those with little to no prior experience with GIS and/or ArcGIS. Register Now!
Intro to SPSS (September 19) - This workshop introduces you to IBM SPSS Statistics, a program that can assist users with analyzing, organizing, and visualizing data. Attendees will learn about the capabilities of SPSS, its basic functions, and how to import/enter data into SPSS for analysis. This workshop is open to all skillsets and comfortability with SPSS or data analysis programs. Attendees will have the opportunity to follow along in their own SPSS windows and test functions. Led by Dr. Jonathan Vontsteen. Register Now!
Creating Effective Data Management Plans with DMPTool: A Step-by-Step Guide (September 26) - This hands-on workshop is designed to help researchers navigate the process of creating a quality Data Management Plan (DMP) using the DMPTool platform. Whether you're applying for grant funding, managing research data, or ensuring compliance with institutional and funder requirements, a well-crafted DMP is essential. Participants will be guided through each step of the DMPTool interface, learning how to:
- Understand the purpose and components of a Data Management Plan
- Select appropriate templates based on funder or institutional requirements
- Use built-in guidance and examples to address key topics such as data sharing, storage, metadata, and preservation
- Collaborate with co-authors and institutional administrators within the platform
Export and share completed plans for submission or review
By the end of the session, attendees will have the confidence and skills to create a DMP tailored to their research project and funding agency requirements. Led by the library's data curation specialist, Dr. Xuan Zhou. Register Now!
Basic Data Viz in SPSS (October 3) - This workshop introduces you to IBM SPSS Statistics, a program that can assist users with analyzing. organizing, and visualizing data. Attendees will learn how to prepare data for visualization, run a basic frequency/descriptive analysis, and create visual representations of their analysis. This workshop is open to all skillsets and comfortability with SPSS or data analysis programs. Attendees will have the opportunity to follow along in their own SPSS windows and test functions.
Attendees should come with any version of SPSS installed on their computers. Discounted or free trial versions of SPSS can be found here: https://www.ibm.com/products/spss-statistics/gradpack? Register Now!
Quality Data Sources (October 17) - Researchers rely on quality citations and resources to construct their arguments. However, what happens to your argument if the quality of your citations and resources are called into question? In this workshop, Dr. Johnathan Vontsteen will explain the difference between primary and secondary resources, and how to differentiate between good and bad resources. Attendees will also learn about high quality references outside of just peer-reviewed articles. Register Now!
Basic Data Visualization in Python* (October 31) - Enhance your data analysis skills with our session on basic data visualization using Python. This workshop, led by Dr. Emily Zhu, will guide you through creating compelling visualizations to make sense of your data. You'll learn how to generate simple plots using Pandas and customize them with Matplotlib's Pyplot library. We'll explore how to create different types of visualizations, including boxplots, histograms, and scatterplots. Additionally, the session will cover data visualization in various fields, providing you with the versatility to apply these skills in different contexts. By the end of this session, you'll have the confidence to turn data into insightful visuals that can inform decision-making. Register Now!
Basic Data Visualization with ggplot2 in R (November 14) - In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to create a variety of data visualizations using the powerful ggplot package in R. By the end of the session, you will be able to produce scatter plots, boxplots, and barplots, set universal plot settings, and apply faceting to efficiently display data subsets. Additionally, you will explore how to modify plot aesthetics, such as axis labels and colors, and build complex, customized plots from data in a data frame. This workshop is ideal for beginners looking to enhance their data visualization skills in R. Led by Dr. Xuan Zhou. Register Now!
*Hybrid (both online and in-person options available)
In addition to the workshops, our team of specialists will hold open house events on August 29, October 10, October 24, November 7, and November 21. These events are not just another excuse for donuts. They are an opportunity to meet and engage with our data services support specialists and to learn about the services and resources that your library has to offer for both your research and academic needs.