Data Literacy For Librarians And Patrons Training Course

Introduction

Empower librarians and library patrons with the fundamental skills to understand, interpret, evaluate, and work with data through our comprehensive Data Literacy for Librarians and Patrons Training Course. This program equips participants with the essential knowledge to navigate the increasingly data-driven world, fostering informed decision-making, critical thinking, and effective data utilization in various contexts. Mastering data literacy is increasingly vital for library professionals to support data-savvy users and for patrons to thrive in a society where data informs many aspects of life. Our library data literacy training course offers in-depth exploration and practical application of key data concepts and skills.

This Data Literacy for Librarians and Patrons training delves into key areas such as understanding data types and formats, interpreting basic statistics, evaluating data sources and visualizations, recognizing data bias and limitations, applying data in research and decision-making, communicating data effectively, and promoting data literacy within the library and community. You will gain expertise in demystifying data, building confidence in working with numbers and visualizations, and empowering others to become data-literate citizens. Whether you are a librarian seeking to enhance your data skills to better serve patrons, or a library patron eager to understand and utilize data effectively, this Data Literacy for Librarians and Patrons course will provide you with crucial skills for the 21st century.

Target Audience:

• Librarians (All Specialties)
• Library Patrons
• Researchers
• Students
• Educators
• Community Members
• Anyone interested in understanding data

Course Objectives:

• Understand the fundamental concepts and importance of data literacy.
• Identify and differentiate between various data types and formats.
• Learn to interpret basic statistical concepts relevant to everyday life.
• Develop skills in evaluating data sources and visualizations
• Recognize potential data bias and limitations in different contexts.
• Apply data literacy skills in research and decision-making processes.
• Master effective techniques for communicating data insights.

DURATION

5 Days

Course Content:

Module 1: Foundations of Data Literacy

• Understanding the fundamental concepts and importance of data literacy.
• Exploring the role of data in everyday life, research, and decision-making.
• Defining key data literacy terms and concepts.
• Understanding the data lifecycle from collection to interpretation.
• Best practices for developing a foundational understanding of data literacy.

Module 2: Understanding Data Types and Formats

• Identifying and differentiating between various data types and formats.
• Exploring quantitative and qualitative data.
• Understanding structured and unstructured data.
• Recognizing common data formats (e.g., CSV, Excel, JSON).
• Best practices for working with different types and formats of data.

Module 3: Interpreting Basic Statistical Concepts

• Learning to interpret basic statistical concepts relevant to everyday life.
• Understanding measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode).
• Interpreting measures of spread (range, standard deviation).
• Understanding basic probability and correlation.
• Best practices for understanding and applying fundamental statistical concepts.

Module 4: Evaluating Data Sources and Visualizations

• Developing skills in evaluating data sources and visualizations critically.
• Assessing the credibility and reliability of data sources.
• Understanding the purpose and potential biases of data collection methods.
• Interpreting different types of data visualizations (charts, graphs).
• Best practices for critically analyzing data sources and visual representations.

Module 5: Recognizing Data Bias and Limitations

• Recognizing potential data bias and limitations in different contexts.
• Understanding how bias can be introduced during data collection and analysis.
• Identifying limitations in data sets and their potential impact on conclusions.
• Critically evaluating the representativeness and generalizability of data.
• Best practices for identifying and addressing data bias and limitations.

Module 6: Applying Data Literacy in Research and Decision-Making

• Applying data literacy skills in research and decision-making processes.
• Formulating data-informed questions for research.
• Utilizing data to support arguments and draw conclusions.
• Making informed decisions based on data analysis.
• Best practices for integrating data literacy into research and decision-making.

Module 7: Communicating Data Effectively

• Mastering effective techniques for communicating data insights.
• Selecting appropriate visualizations to convey data effectively.
• Presenting data findings clearly and concisely.
• Telling compelling stories with data.
• Best practices for communicating data to diverse audiences.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.