CCDHHN

Mapping for Academic Publication (Reference Maps)
2026-02-09 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Halifax)
In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will learn to create simple, static maps to accompany academic publications. You will be introduced to a variety of maps as well as best practices in cartography. This workshop is suited for anyone who wants to make a map of their research area, or whose project involves data with a spatial component. To make our maps, we will use QGIS, a free and open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) for analyzing, modifying, and visualizing spatial data.

By the end of this workshop, you will have the confidence to:

Decide what kind of map best conveys your research or contextualizes your study area;

Find and download relevant spatial data;

Load datasets into QGIS and style them as data layers;

Compose a map that includes a title, scale bar, legend, and north arrow; and

Export this map into formats compatible with print and digital publication.

NOTE: The fundamental skills and concepts pertaining to spatial data, map types, and the QGIS interface will not be covered during this workshop. Therefore, prior to the workshop date, please review our Introduction to Mapmaking with QGIS (https://ubc-library-rc.github.io/gis-mapping-intro/)

This workshop is designed for those with no experience using GIS. It is taught by a graduate student in Geography with expertise in GIS and cartographic methods.

Workshop link: https://ubc-library-rc.github.io/gis-reference-mapping/

Things to do before arriving:

QGIS is a free and open source desktop geographic information system (GIS). It can be installed on Windows, MacOS, and Linux using the download instructions here: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html. This workshop will use the latest Long Term Release version. Please make sure you have this installed on your computer.

Presenter(s): Lily Crandall-Oral

Data Bites - Creating a Data Dictionary for Research Projects
2026-02-09 00:00 - 23:59
This practical workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, introduces the purpose and structure of a data dictionary to support clear, consistent, and reusable research data. Designed for graduate students, researchers, and staff, the session emphasizes how data dictionaries enhance data documentation, sharing, and reuse.

Participants will learn how to:

Use templates and tools to build data dictionaries that promote transparency and reproducibility across research projects

Identify key components of a data dictionary, including variable names, definitions, formats, and units

Create and maintain a data dictionary that aligns with best practices and supports FAIR principles

Presenter(s): Eugene Barsky, Vanessa Choy

Data Discovery for your Research: Social Sciences [Online]
2026-02-10 00:00 - 23:59
Date: February 10 2026

Presenter: Rosa Orlandini & Alexandra Wong

Do you need to find published data to use in your research projects or assignments, and you don’t know where to start? We can help!

This practical workshop will be conducted by members of the York University Libraries’ Data Services Team. It will introduce various sources of data, such as Statistics Canada and international data producers. In addition we will explore strategies to locate and evaluate relevant datasets for research in the social sciences.

This workshop is part of the Libraries’ programming for International Love Data Week 2026.

Visualizing Bibliometric Networks with VOSviewer
2026-02-11 00:00 - 23:59
Date: February 11 2026

Curious about how research networks form and evolve? Bibliometric visualizations can help you uncover patterns in scholarly publishing—who’s collaborating, what topics are trending, and how ideas move across disciplines. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to use VOSviewer, a free and open-source tool designed specifically for visualizing bibliometric networks. Using a large set of publication data, we’ll walk through techniques for analyzing connections at the organizational, author, and document levels, and build compelling network maps that bring bibliometric relationships to life.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Identify appropriate bibliometric techniques for analyzing large publication sets

Create clear, compelling network visualizations using VOSviewer

Interpret and explain bibliometric network maps to support research impact analysis and exploration

This session is ideal for researchers, librarians, and graduate students interested in research metrics, scholarly communications, or mapping academic influence. No prior experience with VOSviewer is required.

Details: Any preparatory work for the session can be found on its information page. This virtual workshop will be recorded and shared on the same page, and discoverable via the Sherman Centre’s Online Learning Catalogue.

Facilitator Bio: Jack Young (he/him) is McMaster’s Research Impact Librarian, supporting the use of bibliometric data to enhance the reporting and strategic planning practices of the University’s academic departments, institutes, and researchers.

Certificate Eligibility: This workshop is eligible for the Sherman Centre’s certificate program. For more information, visit scds.ca/certificate-program. It is also eligible for the Canadian Certificate for Digital Humanities. To learn more, visit ccdhhn.ca or contact scds@mcmaster.ca.

Credit Eligibility: This workshop counts toward credit for students in the Faculty of Science who are enrolled in SCIENCE 2SF1: Digital Skills Workshop. For any questions, please contact oursci@mcmaster.ca.

Indigenous Research - tending to a garden of information. [Online]
2026-02-11 00:00 - 23:59
Date: February 11 2026

Presenter: Cora Coady

Researching Indigenous topics is undeniably complex. Indigenous knowledges are deeply rooted in community but identifying authentic Indigenous voices in academia among numerous colonial narratives can be a daunting task. Processing this material can take an emotional toll. By learning how to navigate these resources thoughtfully, you can respectfully and ethically incorporate Indigenous knowledge into your assignments and research.

Makerspace Orientations: Creating Miniature Worlds
2026-02-11 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: February 11 2026

Presenter: Jacob Turola

Create miniature worlds and set pieces using the tools and machines at makerspace! Participants will be introduced to methods of 3D printing, laser cutting, and resin printing to make miniature scale props and set pieces.

Introduction to Git and GitHub: Part 2
2026-02-11 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
Learn the basics of using Git and GitHub for version control and collaboration. Git is widely used version control software that tracks changes to a group of files, referred to as a repository. GitHub is a popular website for hosting and sharing Git repositories, making it easier to collaborate and share your work. Together, Git and GitHub provide a platform that is increasingly used for collaboration in research and academic environments. In this beginner workshop participants will learn key concepts, create their own Git repository, and publish to GitHub. No previous experience with Git is required. Familiarity with the command line interface will be helpful but is not necessary. This is part 2 of a two-part introductory workshop.

Pre-workshop setup

Please complete the pre-workshop setup to install the Bash shell and Git. If you don’t already have one, create a free GitHub account before the workshop.

This workshop is part of the Core Skills series.

Presenter(s): Kendra Oudyk

Transcription audio et vidéo en texte : reconnaissance automatique de la parole avec Whisper AI
2026-02-17 00:00 - 23:59 | UQAM | Université du Québec à Montréal, 400 rue Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Québec, H2L 2C5
17 February 2026

Yolaine Chénard & Simon Côté-Lapointe

Apprenez comment transcrire vos entrevues avec Whisper Standalone de façon sécuritaire et gratuite lors de cet atelier.

Whisper AI est un système de reconnaissance automatique de la parole développé par OpenAI et disponible gratuitement en téléchargement. La version Whisper Standalone permet d’utiliser le script directement sur votre ordinateur PC (non disponible sur Mac). Étant donné qu’il est installé en local sur votre ordinateur, ceci constitue une solution fiable pour le traitement de données sensibles, car il y a moins d’enjeu de fuite de données contrairement aux solutions solutions infonuagiques en ligne ou propriétaires.

La première partie de l’atelier propose un tour d’horizon des principales fonctionnalités de Whisper Standalone et des étapes nécessaires pour vous lancer. Dans la deuxième partie de l’atelier, notre équipe sera là pour vous aider à mettre en pratique un travail de reconnaissance automatique de la parole.

NB : Vous pouvez apporter vos pistes audio ou vidéo et/ou votre ordinateur portable. Des ordinateurs et des exemples de fichiers seront aussi fournis pour la portion atelier pratique.

[Cette formation aura lieu au Laboratoire de données et humanités numériques de la bibliothèque centrale, local A-M203]

Guides liés: Humanités numériques by Simon Côté-Lapointe

Makerspace Orientations: Basic electronics and circuitry
2026-02-18 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: February 18 2026

Presenter: Jacob Turola

Participants will get to make their own circuits and code by trying out Arduino control boards for the first time! Sensors and boards will be provided, alongside wires and other peripherals. This is an entry level orientation to get you started and show you what is available! No experience is required.

Communities Empowered by Data 101: Tools and Best Practices
2026-02-19 00:00 - 23:59 | McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
Date: February 19 2026

Community-led data practices empower and support community-led grassroots actions and initiatives. Data are valuable and we need to work together to take care of them, from the initial planning stages of a project to where it lives after the work is complete. In this 101-level session, we’ll introduce the Community Research Data Toolkit—a new Pressbook filled with guidance and resources to support communities in taking an active role in data management. Topics include using data management plans as tools for building trust, exploring options for long-term community-held data, and more. Following an interactive overview, we’ll save some time to workshop challenges and possibilities through a set of applicable case studies.

Participants will learn to:

Summarize RDM best practices and what Data Management Plans and Data Deposit look like in community-based research

Locate available tools, training, and guidance

Appraise the tools and prepare to implement Community control for data in your work.

This session is designed for non-profits, activists, community organizations, and the researchers and data professionals who work with them!

Details: Any preparatory work for the session can be found on its information page. This virtual workshop will be recorded and shared on the same page, and discoverable via the Sherman Centre’s Online Learning Catalogue.

Facilitator Bio:

Danica Evering holds broad experience with research support, education, project management, advocacy, and knowledge translation; with fluency in social practice art, healthcare, community research, data, and systems development. Danica supports students, postdocs, faculty, and staff with RDM through the data lifecycle—Data Management Plans, storage and backup, data security, data sharing. With an MA in Media Studies from Concordia, they are interested in fostering RDM within curious scholars and disciplines.

Isaac Pratt (he/him) is a research scientist by training and has a PhD in Anatomy & Cell Biology. He leverages nearly a decade of interdisciplinary research experience to help support students, staff, and faculty. His expertise lies in questions surrounding data storage, security, planning, archival, and sharing. Isaac also provides support and curation services for McMaster Dataverse. His other interests include reproducible research methods, open science, and data science.

Subhanya Sivajothy (she/her) brings a background of research in data justice, science and technology studies, and environmental humanities. She is currently thinking through participatory data design which allow for visualizations that are empowering for the end user.

Certificate Eligibility: This workshop is eligible for the Sherman Centre’s certificate program. For more information, visit scds.ca/certificate-program. It is also eligible for the Canadian Certificate for Digital Humanities. To learn more, visit ccdhhn.ca or contact scds@mcmaster.ca.

Credit Eligibility: This workshop counts toward credit for students in the Faculty of Science who are enrolled in SCIENCE 2SF1: Digital Skills Workshop. For any questions, please contact oursci@mcmaster.ca.

Introduction to Python Two Day Intensive
2026-02-19 00:00 - 2026-02-20 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
This two day intensive workshop is an introduction to Python programming, with a focus on skills that are relevant to students and researchers who are working with data, particularly tabular data.

When: February 19th and 20th, 10am – 12pm and 1pm-4pmWhere: Online synchronous over Zoom or in the Presentation Room, r. 548 and 552, Koerner Library (participants can choose whether to attend in person or virtually).

The five sections cover the following:

Part 1: To understand the basics of Python syntax, variables, and data types.

Part 2: To learn how to work with tabular data in Python, including reading, manipulating, and visualizing data.

Part 3: To learn how to automate tasks in Python, including working with multiple files.

Part 4: To learn to use logic and modularity to make Python code flexible and reusable.

Part 5: To develop good habits for programming for research in Python, including handling errors, debugging, and writing reliable code.

Each workshop day will be broken out into a 2h morning session, 1h lunch, and 3h afternoon session.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites needed for this series; no prior programming experience is required.

Setup Instructions:

In these workshops, we will write Python code in a text editor called Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

Please follow the following steps/links to complete the setup for this workshop series before you attend:

Install a Python Interpreter

Install Visual Studio Code

Install the Python extension for VS Code. If you want more info on installing extensions for VS Code, see this page on their “Extension Marketplace”

Install this Python Debugger extension for VS Code

NOTE: You may use your own preferred text editor or Jupyter Notebooks to write code in these workshops, but keep in mind that some aspects may be unpredictably different from the way things appear on the instructor’s screen. For example, the instructor will frequently use the Python Debugger in VS Code, and other text editors may have entirely different mechanisms for debugging, and you may have to figure that out on your own. If you want to follow what the instructor is doing exactly, you should install VS Code and the extensions listed above.

Presenter(s): Kendra Oudyk

Data Bites - Licensing Your Research Data
2026-02-23 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
This practical workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, explores how licensing supports responsible sharing, reuse, and attribution of research data. Aimed at graduate students, researchers, and staff, the session highlights best practices for applying data licenses that align with FAIR and open science principles within the Canadian data landscape.

Participants will learn how to:

Apply Creative Commons licenses effectively

Distinguish between copyright and data ownership

Select appropriate licenses for research data reuse and sharing

Presenter(s): Eugene Barsky, Vanessa Choy, Stephanie Savage

Who's (not) counted: finding published data about ethnic and racialized populations in Canada [Online]
2026-02-24 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: February 24 2026

Presenter: Rosa Orlandini

Are you looking for data about racialized populations and/or ethnic populations in Canada, as it relates to your research topic? It can be a challenge, and you are not alone! In the past couple of years, there have been several calls to actions from the research community calling for governments to collect more ethno-racial data, especially as it relates to social determinants of health, employment, health care, and education.

This workshop will be conduct by Rosa Orlandini from the York University Libraries’ Data Sercices Team. She will provide you with skills and strategies you can use to navigate this data ecosystem. After this workshop, participants will be able to apply search strategies & tools to find Canadian data, identify data gaps on your topic, and critique how published data are collected and disseminated.

This workshop is part of the Libraries’ programming for International Love Data Week 2026.

Makerspace Orientations: Advanced Sewing
2026-02-26 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: February 26 2026

Presenter: Jacob Turola

Ready to level up your sewing skills? This advanced orientation is perfect for those who’ve already mastered the basics and want to dive deeper into sewing machine techniques. We’ll explore more refined stitching methods, curved seams, seam finishes, and fabric control for greater precision and versatility.

Comment contribuer à Wikipédia? Introduction au fonctionnement de l'encyclopédie libre
2026-02-26 00:00 - 23:59 | UQAM | Université du Québec à Montréal, 400 rue Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Québec, H2L 2C5
26 February 2026

Wikipédia est un projet d’encyclopédie collective en ligne et multilingue qui vise à offrir un contenu librement réutilisable, objectif et vérifiable, que chacun peut modifier et améliorer.

Vous désirez contribuer à Wikipédia? Cette présentation propose un tour d’horizon des éléments essentiels pour vous lancer dans l’aventure wikipédienne. La philosophie de Wikipédia, ses règles de fonctionnement éditorial, la structure d’un article ainsi que les principales fonctionnalités de l’interface utilisateur pour la rédaction seront couverts.

Présenté par Jean-Michel Lapointe et Simon Côté-Lapointe

Jean-Michel Lapointe est chargé de projets technopédagogiques au Carrefour d’innovation et de pédagogie universitaire depuis 2023. Il évolue au sein de l’UQAM depuis 2015, où il a d’abord été bibliothécaire. Spécialiste de l’écosystème Wikimédia, de la technologie wiki et de la culture numérique libre, il promeut depuis plusieurs années l’écriture encyclopédique dans Wikipédia en contexte universitaire.

Simon Côté-Lapointe est bibliothécaire en histoire et philosophie, et responsable des humanités numériques à l’UQAM. Il est détenteur d’un doctorat en sciences de l’information portant sur les archives audiovisuelles. Les méthodes et outils numériques pour la recherche ainsi que la gestion, l’organisation, la préservation et la diffusion des données et documents sont parmi ses champs d’intérêt.

Data Bites - File Naming Best Practices for Research Data
2026-03-02 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
This practical workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, introduces strategies for consistent and meaningful file naming to support better research organization, collaboration, and long-term data reuse. Designed for graduate students, researchers, and staff, this session helps participants avoid common pitfalls and adopt best practices in their research workflows.

Participants will learn how to:

Avoid problematic file names that can cause compatibility issues across platforms and systems

Apply clear and consistent file naming conventions

Incorporate elements like version control, dates, and identifiers for easy file tracking and retrieval

Presenter(s): Eugene Barsky, Vanessa Choy

Introduction to Python & Coding for HSS - Part I of the HSS Python Series
2026-03-03 00:00 - 23:59
COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is the first workshop of a beginner level four-part series for humanities and social sciences researchers (HSS) and librarians. We will use Python due to its vast popularity, easy syntax, and powerful extensions, while working in the user-friendly and convenient JupyterLab environment. This session focuses on introducing participants to basic coding concepts and fundamentals to help them confidently participate in high-level conceptual discussions with computer programmers or technical team members. These general concepts will be reinforced and illustrated with the hands-on development of simple programs that can immediately help with text-based research and analysis.

Participants can continue in the series to apply the Python knowledge with Textual Analysis (TextBlob) and LLMs. It is highly recommended that you complete this 2-part Python series before joining the Textual Analysis sessions.

For the Python workshops, you do not need any previous knowledge of the tools that will be presented or prior programming experience.

You need a laptop with a Mac, Linux, or Windows operating system (not a tablet, Chromebook, etc) on which you have administrative privileges, as you will need to pre-load specific software packages.

Instructor: Tannia Chevez

Introduction to Python & Coding for HSS - Part II of the HSS Python Series
2026-03-05 00:00 - 23:59
COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is the first workshop of a beginner level four-part series for humanities and social sciences researchers (HSS) and librarians. We will use Python due to its vast popularity, easy syntax, and powerful extensions, while working in the user-friendly and convenient JupyterLab environment. This session focuses on introducing participants to basic coding concepts and fundamentals to help them confidently participate in high-level conceptual discussions with computer programmers or technical team members. These general concepts will be reinforced and illustrated with the hands-on development of simple programs that can immediately help with text-based research and analysis.

Participants can continue in the series to apply the Python knowledge with Textual Analysis (TextBlob) and LLMs. It is highly recommended that you complete this 2-part Python series before joining the Textual Analysis sessions.

For the Python workshops, you do not need any previous knowledge of the tools that will be presented or prior programming experience.

You need a laptop with a Mac, Linux, or Windows operating system (not a tablet, Chromebook, etc) on which you have administrative privileges, as you will need to pre-load specific software packages.

Instructors: Tannia Chevez

Plugins in QGIS
2026-03-09 00:00 - 23:59
This intermediate-level workshop is meant to extend basic knowledge of QGIS by exploring common plugins. Familiarity of the QGIS is therefore a prerequisite. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to use plugins to

Access dynamic basemaps hosted on web servers

Query and download Open Street Map (OSM) data

Geocode address data from a spreadsheet, and

Create an interactive webmap from a QGIS project

Familiarity with GIS is prerequisite for this workshop. Prior to the workshop date, please review our Introduction to Mapmaking with QGIS (https://ubc-library-rc.github.io/gis-mapping-intro/). Additionally, if you are new to QGIS, we recommend you review our workshop on Thematic Mapping with QGIS (https://ubc-library-rc.github.io/gis-thematic-mapping/) as well.

This workshop is taught by a graduate student in Geography with expertise in GIS and cartographic methods.

Workshop Link: https://ubc-library-rc.github.io/gis-plugins-qgis/

Things to do before arriving:

QGIS is a free and open source desktop geographic information system (GIS). It can be installed on Windows, MacOS, and Linux using the download instructions here: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html.

Before attending, please download the most recent QGIS Long Term Release and review the Research Commons’ Introduction to QGIS.

Presenter(s): Lily Crandall-Oral

Data Bites - Choosing File Formats for Research Data
2026-03-09 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
This practical workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, explores how selecting the right file formats can support long-term preservation, data sharing, and reuse. Aimed at graduate students, researchers, and staff, the session highlights best practices for choosing formats that align with FAIR data principles.

Participants will learn how to:

Apply practical guidelines for selecting file formats throughout the research data lifecycle

Identify preferred file formats for preservation, sharing, and interoperability

Distinguish between proprietary and open formats and understand their implications

Presenter(s): Eugene Barsky, Vanessa Choy

Textual Analysis using Python for HSS - TextBlob
2026-03-10 00:00 - 23:59
COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is the third part of a four-part series for humanities and social sciences researchers (HSS) and librarians.

Textual Analysis using TextBlob focuses enables participants to apply basic coding concepts to text-based analysis. We will use a Python library to import, analyze, explore, and manipulate textual datasets and learn about common natural language processing (NLP) techniques like n-grams and NLP tasks such as word tokenization, parsing, frequency detection, spelling correction, sentiment analysis, classification, and more to explore meaningful trends in language patterns.

It is highly recommended that you complete the 2-part Python series, Introduction to Python & Coding for HSS – Part I & II in the HSS Python Series, before registering for this session.

You do not need any previous knowledge of the tools that will be presented.

You need a laptop with a Mac, Linux, or Windows operating system (not a tablet, Chromebook, etc) on which you have administrative privileges, as you may need to pre-load specific software packages.

Makerspace Orientation: Creating Sound-Immersive Eco-Friendly Cards
2026-03-11 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: March 11 2026

Presenter: Ted Belke & Jiaqi Yuan

Get creative in this fun and eco-friendly workshop! Patrons will design their own stencils using tools like CNC machines, 3D printers, or laser cutters. Then, print the design on cotton paper and add a QR code that links to a sound recording. Make a postcard perfect for sharing or keeping as a special memory!

Débogue tes humanités: Documentation des nouvelles pratiques liées à l’utilisation de l’IA : préconisations pour les SHS
2026-03-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Université de Montréal, 3150 Rue Jean Brillant, Montreal, Québec, H3T 1N7, Canada
Voilà maintenant quelques années que l’IA est devenue monnaie courante et l’heure est désormais à la pérennisation des guides d’utilisation et des limites définies par les institutions de recherche et d’enseignement. Cet atelier présente les lignes directrices adoptées par les institutions en SHS ainsi que les méthodes de documentation existantes de ces nouvelles pratiques de rédaction, de correction et de recherche d’information.

→ Bibliothèque des lettres et sciences humaines (15:30)

→ Alexia Schneider

Pour plus de détails, veuillez consulter https://debogue.ecrituresnumeriques.ca/

Makerspace orientations: Keychains and jewelry
2026-03-12 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: March 12 2026

Presenter: Jacob Turola

This session introduces participants to a blend of traditional and modern methods including 3D printing and laser cutting. Participants will see examples of suitable materials and get live demonstrations of our makerspace equipment. They will also be guided on selecting and attaching fittings and hooks. In a hands-on project, attendees will create unique jewelry pieces with expert assistance.

Textual Analysis using Python for HSS - Using LLMs
2026-03-12 00:00 - 23:59
COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is the fourth part of the four-part series for humanities and social sciences researchers (HSS) and librarians.

Modern Text Analysis with Python explores the evolution of linguistic computation, moving beyond static rules of conventional natural language processing (NLP) techniques toward the era of Large Language Models (LLMs). Participants will navigate the shift from simple word representations to sophisticated context-aware embeddings, exploring practical applications of LLMs such as automated summarization, sentence completion, and advanced sentiment analysis using popular language models like GPT, BART and BERT. The session concludes with hands-on insights into state-of-the-art models like Gemini, Claude, and GPT-5, focusing on how to integrate these powerhouses into workflows via application programming interface (API).

This is a continuation of the HSS Python and TextBlob Series. It is highly recommended that you complete the 2-part Python series, Introduction to Python & Coding for HSS – Part I & II in the HSS Python Series, as well as Introduction to Text Analysis with Python using TextBlob before registering for this session.

You do not need any previous knowledge of the tools that will be presented.

You need a laptop with a Mac, Linux, or Windows operating system (not a tablet, Chromebook, etc) on which you have administrative privileges, as you may need to pre-load specific software packages.

Instructor: Yashar Monfared

Data Bites - Creating README Files for Research Data
2026-03-16 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
This hands-on workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, introduces the importance of README files in documenting research data for long-term access and reuse. Designed for graduate students, researchers, and staff, the session provides practical guidance for creating clear, consistent, and useful data documentation.

Participants will learn how to:

Use templates and open tools to create and maintain README files throughout the research lifecycle

Identify the key components of an effective README file, including dataset description, file structure, and usage instructions

Apply best practices to improve data transparency, usability, and alignment with FAIR principles

Presenter(s): Eugene Barsky, Vanessa Choy

Social Media Data! Practical and Ethical Collection, Visualization, and Management
2026-03-19 00:00 - 23:59
Date: March 19 2026

From Reddit threads to TikTok trends, social media is deeply embedded in our daily lives. These platforms fuel polarization, connect queer communities, raise awareness about rare diseases, amplify both grassroots movements and gender-based violence, and even shape the new recipes we cook for dinner. With this flood of seemingly public content, it’s no surprise that researchers are increasingly turning to social media as a rich (and complicated!) source of data.

This hands-on workshop covers both practical techniques and ethical considerations for working with social media data. You’ll learn from experts across digital scholarship, research data management, and data analysis:

How to Collect to Social Media Data: Digital Scholarship Librarian John Fink will demo manual collection and scraping tools like the Digital Methods Initiative’s Zeeschuimer and 4CAT.

How to Analyze Social Media Data: Data Analysis and Visualization Librarian Subhanya Sivajothy will intro how to comb through social media data and show patterns.

How to Manage Social Media Data: Research Data Management Specialist Danica Evering will share tools and best practices for wrangling and organizing social media data.

How to Navigate Social Media Data Ethics: Digital Scholarship Coordinator Alexis-Carlota Cochrane will explore ethical considerations for researching social media, including strategies for protecting privacy and minimizing harm throughout the research and publication process.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Collect social media data using both manual and automated scraping tools like Zeeschuimer and 4CAT.

Analyze datasets to identify key trends and insights with introductory data exploration techniques.

Organize and manage social media data effectively by applying recommended best practices and tools.

Understand and address ethical challenges in social media research, including protecting privacy and minimizing harm at all stages.

This session is ideal for researchers, students, and practitioners across disciplines who are curious about using social media data in their work and want to approach it thoughtfully, ethically, and responsibly.

Details: Any preparatory work for the session can be found on its information page. This virtual workshop will be recorded and shared on the same page, and discoverable via the Sherman Centre’s Online Learning Catalogue.

Facilitator Bio:

Alexis-Carlota Cochrane (she/they) is the Digital Scholarship Coordinator at the Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship. In her role, she connects students, faculty, staff, and community members to resources, tools, and training that advance their digital research projects. Alexis is also PhD Candidate in the Department of Communication Studies and Media Arts at McMaster University. Her research interests include critical data studies, platform studies, data feminism, online harms, data justice, and digital humanities.

Danica Evering holds broad experience with research support, education, project management, advocacy, and knowledge translation; with fluency in social practice art, healthcare, community research, data, and systems development. Danica supports students, postdocs, faculty, and staff with RDM through the data lifecycle—Data Management Plans, storage and backup, data security, data sharing. With an MA in Media Studies from Concordia, they are interested in fostering RDM within curious scholars and disciplines.

John Fink is the Digital Scholarship Librarian in the Sherman Centre.

Subhanya Sivajothy (she/her) brings a background of research in data justice, science and technology studies, and environmental humanities. She is currently thinking through participatory data design which allow for visualizations that are empowering for the end user.

Certificate Eligibility: This workshop is eligible for the Sherman Centre’s certificate program. For more information, visit scds.ca/certificate-program. It is also eligible for the Canadian Certificate for Digital Humanities. To learn more, visit ccdhhn.ca or contact scds@mcmaster.ca.

Credit Eligibility: This workshop counts toward credit for students in the Faculty of Science who are enrolled in SCIENCE 2SF1: Digital Skills Workshop. For any questions, please contact oursci@mcmaster.ca.Date:

Data Bites - Optimize Directory Structures for Research Data
2026-03-23 00:00 - 23:59 | The University of British Columbia, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V62 1Z2, Canada
This practical workshop, delivered by the UBC Library Research Data Management team, focuses on strategies for organizing research data using clear and logical directory structures. Designed for graduate students, researchers, and staff, the session helps participants manage files more effectively to support collaboration, reproducibility, and long-term data stewardship.

Participants will learn how to:

Apply best practices to maintain consistency and clarity throughout the research lifecycle

Design directory structures that reflect research workflows and support project organization

Implement naming and hierarchy conventions for easy navigation and version control

Presenter(s): Eugene Barsky, Vanessa Choy

Makerspace Orientations: 3D Printing
2026-03-24 00:00 - 23:59 | York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
Date: March 24 2026

Presenter: Jacob Turola

Join us for this introduction to a staple in makerspace technology! Attendees will get started with 3D printing in the makerspace. The session will cover how to find a file, process it for printing and run the machine. All are welcome, and everyone gets to keep what they make.

La création de cartes interactives avec uMap
2026-03-24 00:00 - 23:59 | UQAM | Université du Québec à Montréal, 400 rue Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Québec, H2L 2C5
24 March 2026

L’application en ligne uMap permet de créer et de diffuser des cartes géographiques personnalisées, interactives et collaboratives. uMap est utile pour les chercheurs et étudiants universitaires, car l’application permet de présenter des données sur une carte en ligne et de collaborer à plusieurs personnes sur une même carte, offrant ainsi une plateforme conviviale pour la visualisation et la communication efficace des informations géospatiales.

La première partie de l’atelier propose un tour d’horizon des principales fonctionnalités de uMap et des étapes nécessaires pour vous lancer dans la création de votre première carte géographique interactive. Dans la deuxième partie de l’atelier, notre équipe sera là pour vous aider à créer votre première carte en ligne adaptée selon vos champs d’intérêts et besoins.

[Cette formation aura lieu au Laboratoire de données et humanités numériques de la bibliothèque centrale, local A-M203]

Atelier présenté et animé par Katerine Grandmont

Katerine Grandmont occupe le poste de technicienne en cartographie à la Cartothèque de l’UQAM. Elle détient une maitrise en géographie et a travaillé de nombreuses années dans le domaine de la recherche nordique, notamment à la cartographie des risques en milieux de pergélisol. Elle offre du soutien à la communauté universitaire pour l’utilisation d’outils et logiciels de cartographie et d’analyse spatiale et l’utilisation des données géospatiales.
