Criss Library Celebrates Love Data Week

Love Data Week is an international celebration of data in all its forms, highlighting the importance of good data management, data sharing, and critical engagement with the role of data in research and society. Founded in the United States in 2016, Love Data Week has grown into a global event. Since 2021, the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) has served as the official host, coordinating an international planning committee that develops an annual theme, creates outreach materials, and supports events worldwide that celebrate and explore data.

This year’s Love Data Week theme is “Where’s the Data?”, a way to get people thinking about data’s journey from collection through storage and preservation. The theme opens up exciting possibilities for interactive programming, whether that’s hosting data-themed games, building data literacy skills, or diving into the ethics of responsible data use. The goal is to connect everyone, from data newcomers to veterans, with the training and resources they need to make progress on issues close to their hearts.

Criss Library is pleased to participate in Love Data Week with a series of short, practical presentations led by the library’s Research Data Services team. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join us on February 11 from noon to 1:00 p.m., either in person or via Zoom, for three focused sessions designed to support research, teaching, and data-informed scholarship. Learn more about this event on the Love Data Week event page.

Presentations

Omer Farooq — Stats Test Matchmaking: Finding the Right Statistical Analysis for Your Data
“What statistical analysis should I use?” is a common question among researchers. Selecting an appropriate statistical test can be challenging, especially when navigating unfamiliar methods. This presentation introduces SAGE Research Methods’ Which Stats Test tool, a guided resource that helps users identify suitable statistical analyses by answering a series of targeted questions. Additional resources for supporting analysis write-ups will also be discussed, along with ways these tools can be integrated into research support and instruction.

Jennie Tobler-Gaston — Make Your Graphs and Tables Accessible
Graphs, charts, and tables are essential tools for communicating research findings—but only when they are accessible to all users. This presentation examines why accessibility is a critical component of effective data visualization and demonstrates practical strategies for creating accessible graphs and tables. The session aligns with current ADA guidelines and emphasizes inclusive practices that broaden the reach and impact of scholarly communication.

April Griess — Enhancing Image Accessibility with AI
Accessible images are a key component of inclusive digital scholarship. AI-powered tools can assist in creating text-based descriptions that convey the meaning of visual content to a wide range of users. This presentation demonstrates how to generate accurate image descriptions and alternative text using the ASU Image Accessibility Generator and Microsoft Copilot, highlighting practical applications for teaching, research, and online publishing.

About Criss Library

The Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library fulfills the UNO mission through dynamic services, highly qualified and adaptive personnel, unique and extensive collections, and accessible learning spaces and environments. With its location on UNO’s Dodge Campus, Criss Library provides UNO students, faculty and staff, and the Omaha community with the resources and materials needed to excel academically and professionally.