February 2, 2017

In an increasingly data-driven world, data influences many aspects of our lives. Students are asked to interpret data for course assignments; scientists need it to build and support their research; and everyone who has ever used Google should understand how data are used to track and compare online search behavior.

At Drexel, the University Libraries is continually looking for innovative ways to educate students and researchers on effectively using and engaging with data to help them throughout their academic and professional careers.

As part of this effort, the Libraries is participating in the 2017 'Love Your Data Week,' a five-day international online event that raises awareness of data management, sharing and preservation, to be held February 13 through February 17, 2017.   

Now in its second year, Love Your Data Week (LYD or LYD17 for short) is coordinated by research data specialists from academic and research libraries and data centers around the globe. The campaign uses social media to drive conversations on the importance of data, and anyone can participate via Twitter, Instagram or Facebook simply by using the hashtags #LYD17 and #loveyourdata.

The theme for LYD17 is 'data quality for researchers at any stage in their career,' and participating organizations will share stories, resources and tips and tricks for using and interpreting data, all via social media.

Drexel University Libraries is one of 42 organizations participating in the 2017 social media event, and each day of the campaign will cover a different topic, starting with 'Defining Data Quality' on Monday, February 13. Other daily topics will include documenting, describing and defining data; good data examples; finding the right data; and rescuing unloved data. Daily messages from #LYD17 organizers will be augmented with tips and stories from Libraries staff. The complete schedule is available online at https://loveyourdata.wordpress.com/lydw-2017/

Graduate students, researchers, librarians and data specialists ---and anyone interested in the world of data?--are invited and encouraged to join the conversation on Twitter and to share insights on Facebook or Instagram. Don't forget to tag @drexellibraries and to use #LYD17 and #loveyour data!

For more information, check out the Love Your Data Week national campaign page or contact Chris Baduerak, Data Services Librarian and Liaison Librarian, at cab484@drexel.edu.