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Tl;dr – Free webinars coming this Tues 11/19 on data and information privacy and 12/10 on STEM and digital tools – join us!

DATA AND INFORMATION PRIVACY IN LIBRARIES

FLORIAN SCHAUB

TUES., 11/19, 4PM EASTERN

Librarians have a long tradition of keeping patrons' library interactions private. Librarians have also been passionate about connecting patrons to digital resources, which sometimes require giving up personal information in exchange for access. What happens when these values come into conflict?
We are now realizing what can happen when the bits of our lives convert into digital data that can easily be tracked, shared, and used in unexpected ways. Digital assistants like Amazon Alexa can help those with disabilities more easily customize their world, but who is listening on the other end? Equifax's credit score system fuels our ability to lease a car, buy a home, and even look employable, yet a data breach unveiled over 140 million Americans' financial information that could be spread instantly across the globe. Cambridge Analytica's "fun" personality quizzes on Facebook brought moments of delight but also harvested data used in microtargeting and misinformation campaigns, increasing political divisiveness. How do we balance the advantages of a data-driven world with our desire to remain safe? In this webinar, Florian Schaub will give an overview of the information privacy landscape, and suggest questions and action steps we can consider as individuals and patron advocates.

SUPPORTING STEM EDUCATION WITH DIGITAL TOOLS 

MELISSA P. JOHNSTON

TUES., 12/10, 4PM EASTERN

Educating students in STEM areas not only prepares them for successful careers and advanced technical studies, but also for life, by teaching how to think critically and analytically through collaborative, hands-on, problem-solving, and project-based approaches. Technology and media play an important role in effective STEM education. Students engage in STEM learning in many ways and through an array of different digital tools that provide authentic experiences. Digital tools may include, but are not limited to, digital videos, audio, graphics, games, online assessments, scientific datasets, virtual manipulatives and simulations, and other forms of media. Students learn concepts through these interactive digital resources, all of which enrich student learning by enabling them to comprehend, visualize, and explain difficult concepts. This webinar will focus on how librarians can provide learning experiences in the STEM areas through both formal and informal instruction with digital tools.

Details,  registration, and additional webinars here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/university-of-michigan-school-of-information-and-the-library-of-michigan-26412644287

A link to the recording will be sent to all registrants within 48 hours of each event and posted at https://webinars.sites.uofmhosting.net/archived-webinars/