NEWS
Covid-19 data sharing
A REPORT has found that Covid-19 research data sharing and preprint- ing of research on the virus have been lower than hoped. Written by a team of researchers, publishers, and other schol- arly communication experts associated with the Covid-19 Rapid Review Initiative – the Scholarly Communication in Times of Crisis: The response of the scholarly communication system to the Covid-19 pandemic report made three recommen- dations including Mandating preprint- ing and rewarding researchers who use preprints. It also criticised publishing data saying: “Relevant publishing data is often not available or is of limited quality.” For more details see:
https://bit.ly/3GgoX2G.
Algorithmic standard published
THE Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) which was established in January has launched an algorithmic transparency standard for government departments and public sector bodies.
In a ministerial statement Lord Agnew of Oulton said: “This move makes the UK one of the first countries in the world to make progress on developing a national algorith- mic transparency standard.”
CDDO will iterate the standard based on feedback gathered and seek formal approval from the Data Standards Authority in 2022. For more details visit:
https://bit.ly/3IFoQ2D.
Symposium date set for May
THE Third international Children’s Libraries Symposium will take place in Turkey from 27 to 29 May next year. The event will be hosted by Gaiantep Met- ropolitan Municipality and the Information and Records Management Department of Marmara University, with a theme of Local Authority Children’s Libraries. Topics will include the use of technology, pre-school, developing collections, information literacy and librarian skills for children’s libraries. For more details visit
www.childrenslibraries.org
8 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL
MPs briefed by libraries information group
APPG LInK – the All Party Parliamen- tary Group for Libraries, Knowledge and Information – met in November to update MPs on the latest develop- ments.
Chaired by Gill Furniss MP (LAB, Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough), APPG LInK met to discuss current devel- opments in the library and information sector with presentations about AI, health and international collaboration. The online event started with Nick Poole,
CILIP CEO, providing an overview of how librarians are supporting their users and communities as they begin to recover from Covid-19. He drew on examples from across the sector, including the Libraries NI ‘Digital Hubs’ which provide space and access to videoconferencing for local com- munities.
Nick also discussed the launch of the
Media and Information Literacy Alliance, a new joint initiative between CILIP and the Information Literacy Group (
www.mila.org.uk). Lord Clement Jones, former Chair of the
Lords Select Committee on Artificial Intel- ligence, said: “This initiative is absolutely welcome. Libraries play a central role not only in AI and machine learning, but in promoting Digital Literacy more broadly. You are the antidote to disinformation and misinformation.” Sue Lacey Bryant, national lead for NHS Knowledge and Library Services,
then presented an overview of the recent HEE-supported Tech Review into the impact of AI, machine learning, robotics and automation for the library, information and knowledge profession. A full copy of the report, which was led by Dr Andrew Cox of the University of Sheffield, is avail- able at
cilip.org.uk/page/researchreport. Responding to the presentation, Gill Furniss said: “AI and machine learning will dominate the agenda for some time to come. We must understand where technology is going to ensure people aren’t disadvantaged. Never have librar- ians and knowledge specialists been so important as they are now.” Attendees were given an update on the
CILIP-led Working Internationally initiative which promotes international working and knowledge-exchange for public libraries. Rabeea Arif, Programmes Manager at CILIP, provided an overview of the project which has support from the Arts Council England, and the session included pre- sentations from participating library services: Vision Redbridge, Oxfordshire Libraries and Oldham Libraries. More details about the project are available at
www.cilip.org.uk/workinginternationally The APPG also received a presentation from The Reading Agency, providing an overview of their work to achieve their mission to “enable everyone to read their way to a better life”.
UCL online open day
UCL is holding a virtual open day for pro- spective students to its MA Library and Information Studies Programme in January. The course, which is full accredited
by CILIP, is offered as either a one-year full-time or two-year part time study pro- gramme. There is also an option to take the course as modular study, giving students up to five years to complete it. The course is designed for those who already have some professional experience – whether paid or voluntary.
The online open day will give people the chance to find out more about the course and ask any questions ahead of applica- tions. Deadline for applying to the next intake of the course is 31 March 2022, but anyone interested in joining is advised to apply early as the process will close if all places are filled before that date. The online open day takes place at 10am on 12 January 2022, and places can be booked by emailing Laura Keshav at
l.ke-
shav@ucl.ac.uk.
December 2021
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