[iDiversity] TASCHA Talk: Gates Foundation Global Libraries

[Melody Clark]

Please join us next week and every other Wednesday as we inaugurate TASCHA Talks.



What is TASCHA researching? What issues are emerging in our work? What are our experiences with different theories and methods? What issues are of interest to members of our community?



TASCHA Talks are bi-weekly sessions to share, discuss, and advance new ideas around topics related to technology and social change. Talks are open to faculty, researchers, and students.



Day/Time: Every other Wednesday 3:30-4:30

Location: Roosevelt Commons Building (4311 11th Ave. NE); Fourth floor multi-purpose room



Snacks and refreshments served. No RSVP necessary.



Schedule



10/20

The Gates Foundation Global Libraries Program

Melody Clark

TASCHA Research Coordinator Melody Clark (MLIS 2010) will discuss her experience as a graduate research assistant at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Libraries program. In addition to talking about her personal experience, Melody will also provide an overview of the goals and priorities of the Global Libraries program, as well as some challenges they face working in developing countries. She will also introduce some interesting questions for discussion related to public libraries and technology use in developing countries, and how these questions could offer possibilities for future research. Possible questions for discussion include:



*         Is it possible to use the same model of U.S. libraries or Western Europe in developing contexts? If not a Western public library model, then what will work? What programmatic models can increase information literacy and technology use in developing countries?

*         How can public libraries, ICT4D programs, and the ICT industry as a whole work together to achieve maximum impact and reach in developing countries?

*         How can public libraries in developing countries incorporate mobile technologies into their services?



11/3

Applying Benefit Cost Analysis to Social Programs

Tyler Davis

Tyler Davis (PhD candidate, Evans School of Public Affairs) will first give a 30 min talk on some of the work he has done to apply BCA principles and standards to social programs.  He will begin with an overview of BCA and give an example from the institution that developed BCA standards in the USA, the Army Corps of Engineers.  Next he will give an overview of how BCA has migrated to other programs, including social programs.  Finally he will identify the characteristics of BCA conducted on social programs, and identify emerging standards.



Second, we will have an open conversation to discuss ways in which BCA might be applied to other TASCHA research. Tyler is currently working on the BCA component of the Global Impact Study.



11/17 To be announced



12/1  To be announced





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Christopher T. Coward
Principal Research Scientist and Director
Technology & Social Change Group
University of Washington Information School
tascha.uw.edu




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