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CHICAGO — The Library Information Technology Association (LITA) invites you to attend any of three Midwinter Workshops, focused on the latest in practical library technology applications, from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30 in Chicago.

"Developing mobile apps to support field research" with Wayne Johnston, University of Guelph Library. Researchers in most disciplines do some form of field research. Too often they collect data on paper that is not only inefficient but vulnerable to data loss. Surveys and other data collection instruments can easily be created as mobile apps with the resulting data stored on the campus server and immediately available for analysis. The apps also enable added functionality like improved data validity through use of authority files and capturing GPS coordinates. This support to field research represents a new way for academic libraries to connect with researchers within the context of a broader research data management strategy.

"Introduction to Practical Programming" with Elizabeth Wickes, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This workshop will introduce foundational programming skills using the Python programming language. There will be three sections to this workshop: a brief historical review of computing and programming languages (with a focus on where Python fits in), hands on practice with installation and the basics of the language, followed by a review of information resources essential for computing education and reference. This workshop will prepare participants to write their own programs, jump into programming education materials and provide essential experience and background for the evaluation of computing reference materials and library program development. Participants from all backgrounds with no programming experience are encouraged to attend.

"From Lost to Found: How user Testing Can Improve the User Experience of Your Library Website" with Kate Lawrence, EBSCO Information Services; Deirdre Costello, EBSCO Information Services; and Robert Newell, University of Houston. When two user researchers from EBSCO set out to study the digital lives of college students, they had no idea the surprises in store for them. The online behaviors of “digital natives” were fascinating: from students using Google to find their library’s website to what research terms and phrases students consider another language altogether: “library-ese.” Attendees of this workshop will learn how to conduct usability testing and participate in a live testing exercise via usertesting.com. Participants will leave the session with the knowledge and confidence to conduct user testing that will yield actionable and meaningful insights about their audience.



You may register online for these LITAworkshops by completing the 91´«Ã½ Midwinter registration: . You may also add a workshop to your existing Midwinter registration or register for a workshop only by calling 91´«Ã½ Registration at 1 (800) 974-3084, or you may register onsite in Chicago.For additional information on LITA workshops and Midwinter events, including how to get LITA member discount rates, visit:

members are information technology professionals dedicated to educating, serving, and reaching out to the entire library and information community. LITA is a division of the .

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