Love Data Week 2026

Posted on: January 9, 2026; Updated on: January 9, 2026
By Stacy Winchester, winches2@mailbox.sc.edu

Events:

Basic Data Cleanup and Visualization Using Generative AI

This workshop introduces participants to practical techniques for cleaning messy datasets and creating clear, compelling visualizations with the help of generative AI tools. Attendees will learn how AI can streamline data preparation, automate visualization design, and enhance storytelling with data without requiring advanced programming skills.

Learning Objectives:

Identify and apply basic data-cleaning techniques using generative AI to handle common issues such as missing values, duplicates, and inconsistent formatting.
Generate and customize visualizations (e.g., charts, graphs) through AI-assisted tools to effectively communicate insights from cleaned data.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of generative AI in data preparation and visualization workflows, including considerations for accuracy and ethical use.

Presenter: Adam Johnson, Learning Technologies and Data Librarian, Coastal Carolina University

Monday, February 9, 2026
1:00 - 2:00 pm

Data & Donuts with the Analytics Community of Practice

As part of Love Data Week 2026, all are welcome to join the USC Analytics Community of Practice in Scholars Corner on the main floor of Thomas Cooper Library for the annual Data & Donuts data networking event. We'll share updates on CarolinaAnalytics and connect with colleagues while enjoying coffee and donuts. Registration is preferred but not required. Registered participants will receive event updates.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 am
Scholars Corner on the Main Floor or Thomas Cooper Library

Beyond the Buzzwords: Exploring Unconventional Careers in Data

In this virtual “Love Data Week” panel, professionals working in unconventional data roles will share how they built careers that go far beyond the traditional “data scientist” or “analyst” path. Panelists from fields such as digital humanities, government sectors, libraries, civic technology, etc, will discuss how they use data in creative, mission-driven, and often surprising ways. Attendees will gain insight into the diverse skills, workflows, and career trajectories that shape data-related work across sectors. This session is ideal for students, early-career professionals, and anyone curious about the full spectrum of data careers.

Learning Objectives:

Learn about lesser-known data career paths
Understand how data skills—such as visualization, metadata, ethics, and storytelling—translate into nontraditional roles.
Identify practical steps to explore and prepare for unique data-focused careers.
Gain insight into the challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends shaping data work outside conventional data science tracks.

Moderator: Stacie Powell, Data Services Librarian, Clemson University

Tuesday, February 10, 2026
1:00 - 2:00 pm

Introduction to ORCID

Register at: An ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) is a unique digital identifier associated with a researcher to aid in research output discovery, eliminate name ambiguity, and encourage proper citations. A number of funding agencies, including NIH and NSF, use ORCID in the proposal submission process. In this online session from University Libraries, learn about the benefits of ORCID, find out how to get one for yourself, and learn tips and shortcuts for populating your record.
Presenters:
Amie Freeman, Assistant Head Acquisitions & Scholarly Communication
Stacy Winchester, Research Data Librarian
Steve Schrimpf: Chief Research Security Officer

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
1:10 - 2:00 PM
Virtual

Persistent IDs for Research: Why PIDs Matter

In this virtual presentation, University of South Carolina research data librarian Stacy Winchester will introduce persistent identifiers (PIDs) and explain how they improve reproducibility, citation, discoverability, and long-term access to research outputs. Through practical examples and best practices, participants will learn about using PIDs for datasets, publications, and researcher profiles.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the main types of PIDs (DOIs, ORCID iDs, RRIDs, etc.) and when to use them.
PIDS and federal funding.
Tips to integrate PIDs into workflows, data management plans, and data/document repositories.

Presenter: Stacy Winchester, Research Data Librarian, University of South Carolina

Thursday, February 12, 2026
1:00 - 2:00 pm

University Libraries