The Future of Data: Libraries as Catalysts for Creating More Inclusive Data

On-Demand

Moderator(s)

Veronda J. Pitchford

Assistant Director
Califa
Chicago, Illinois

Slides Handouts

Speaker(s)

Chris Rothschild

Senior Research Scientist, Technology & Social Change Group
Technology & Social Change Group, University of Washington Information School, Washington
Maria Garrido

Principal Research Scientist, Principal Research Scientist Information School
University of Washington
Francisco Garcia-Ortiz

Public Library Services Director
Yakima Valley Libraries
Yakima, Washington

The COVID pandemic has illustrated that race, ethnicity, and other crucial demographic data necessary to understand social issues is not widely available. And this lack of availability has exposed the inequities in government and other data collection. Inclusive data processes are central to building more equitable responses not just during COVID, but generally to address the systemic barriers impacting diverse communities. Libraries are poised to become data catalysts as they continue to reimagine their role as change agents. Applying a racial equity lens to data collection and understanding the equity implications of a world without inclusive data elevates the opportunity for libraries to promote and contribute to equitable change for communities.