LibPMC

Workshops

Learning Lab: Communicating Library Value and Impact

This interactive learning lab focuses on strategies and methods librarians can use to help tell their story with data (both qualitative and quantitative). Those attending will be active participants in sharing their needs and struggles as well as their successes in using different types of data to describe their value to others in their library and wider organizations. The presenters have extensive experience in telling stories with data and seek to guide those attending to learn how to tell their own ‘library stories’ more effectively. This session will be of particular interest to those who need to describe the value and impact of their library and information service, especially in the time of restricted funding.

Learning Outcomes

After the session, attendees will be able to:

  • Describe libraries’ value to others inside and outside of their organization using qualitative and quantitative data;
  • Craft strong stories for their stakeholders; and
  • Choose from appropriate options to intertwine qualitative and quantitative data to tell stories.

This workshop is included in the Conference programme.

Learning Lab: Librarians as Researchers – Getting Started

Librarians are frequently called on to carry out research into their services and users but are seldom given training into how to carry out research effectively, ethically and efficiently. In addition, many librarians are seeking to become effective partners in collaborative research projects but lack the knowledge and confidence to seek out and engage in opportunities. This Learning Lab will lead attendees through the full research process as well as helping them develop an initial plan for a research idea of their own.

The facilitators are both active researchers and will share their experience from both the UK and US contexts.

Learning Outcomes

After the session, attendees will be able to:

  • Understand the full research process, including requirements, best practice and sources of further information;
  • Appreciate the differences between UK/US research practices; and
  • Develop a personal research idea into an initial research plan.

This workshop is included in the Conference programme.

Learning Lab: Is that a Big Number? 10 Easy Ways to Improve your Data Literacy

This session will be relevant to everyone involved in data collection, analysis, visualization and interpretation. To avoid misleading data interpretations, we must all be able to challenge data bias, set the figures in context, and dig below the surface. Using relatable stories and examples, we will work through 10 simple rules to prompt critical thinking about data we produce, communicate, and consume.

Learning Outcomes

After the session, attendees will be able to:

  • Recognize the ways bias can enter into data;
  • Evaluate the reliability of data; and
  • Plan strategies to improve their analysis and communication of data.

This workshop is included in the Conference programme.

Learning Lab: Writing Effective KPIs

This session will be relevant to anyone interested in developing or refining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). We’ll cover the basics of what KPIs are, why they’re important, and how to use them effectively. The presenters will also share experiences of using performance indicators and results indicators in their own performance measurement activities. Through relatable stories, practical examples, and engaging group work activities, participants will explore key principles that will help you create and use KPIs that could be applied to your own institution. You’ll also have the opportunity to share and learn from international experiences, enriching your understanding and application of KPIs.

Learning Outcomes

After the session, attendees will be able to:

  • Understand performance indicators and results indicators and their role in measuring performance;
  • Describe the diverse range of indicators (including KPIs) used in libraries across different countries; and
  • Apply their skills in developing KPIs to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement.

This workshop is included in the Conference programme.

Post Conference Workshop
Thursday 5 June 2025

9:00 – 13:00 Introduction to PowerBI for libraries
This workshop aims to help you gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to get started with Microsoft PowerBI and begin developing your own library dashboard solutions. The session will focus on the core things you’ll need to do to make and share your dashboards. 

How to: 

  • import data into PowerBI 
  • wrangle and shape data 
  • connect datasets 
  • visualise data on a dashboard 
  • publish and share data 

To help you get the most out of the workshop, library themed datasets will be provided so that you can participate in the PowerBI session activities.  

You will need to bring a Windows-based laptop and have downloaded the Microsoft PowerBI Desktop software. You can download this for free from the Microsoft website:  

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-bi/downloads

Registration information

The workshop will take place 09:00 – 13:00 Thursday 5 June 2025 in Liverpool.

Places are limited to 30 participants. Registration costs £75.

Registration is available as part of the Registration for LibPMC2025. If you have already Registered for the conference, you can edit your registration to add on this workshop.

You can also register just for the workshop.

Workshop leader

Michelle Halpin is a graphic designer with a HE engagement and impact background. After studying to change career direction, she is now working in engagement, analytics and data visualisation at University of Sunderland. Michelle is currently developing a range of analytic dashboard solutions to enable agile data access and inform best-value library procurement and service delivery.