IASSIST 2017

Welcome to IASSIST 2017

IASSIST 2017 took place May 23–26, 2017 at the Kansas Union on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, Kansas. The conference brought together researchers, data professionals, and academics to explore the common language of research under the theme Data in the Middle.

Plenary sessions featured Daniel Reed on Wednesday, May 24, and Jennifer Clarke on Thursday, May 25, with a Pecha Kucha session closing the program on Friday, May 26. Workshops were held on Tuesday, May 23, with morning and afternoon sessions.

The IASSIST 2017 conference explored how data serves as a common language bridging disciplines, institutions, and communities. Under the theme "Data in the Middle," the gathering emphasized the connective role that research data plays in an increasingly interconnected world. From agriculture to digital technology, the conversations underscored how shared data practices can foster collaboration across sectors that might otherwise operate in isolation. The program reflected a broad understanding of data as both a technical resource and a cultural force, shaping how researchers communicate findings and how institutions make decisions in the public interest.

Held at the Kansas Union on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, the conference made the most of its Midwestern setting. Lawrence provided a welcoming backdrop for attendees arriving from around the globe, with local transportation options, hotel arrangements, and campus amenities all contributing to a smooth experience. The city's central location reinforced the conference theme, positioning Kansas as a geographic and intellectual hub where conversations about data, agriculture, and technology converge naturally. Participants found the campus environment both accessible and conducive to the kind of informal exchange that complements formal sessions.

Plenary sessions anchored each day of the program, offering attendees the opportunity to hear from thought leaders addressing the shifting landscape of data-intensive research. One presentation examined the collision between deep learning, digital culture, and the rapid spread of information through memes and social platforms. Another focused on food security as a critical challenge for the twenty-first century, highlighting how data-driven approaches can inform agricultural policy and global resource management. These sessions set a reflective tone, encouraging participants to consider both the promise and the responsibility that accompany widespread data availability.

Workshops on Tuesday offered hands-on learning opportunities for attendees seeking to deepen their technical skills and practical knowledge. Morning and afternoon sessions covered a range of topics relevant to data professionals working in libraries, academic institutions, and government agencies. The workshop format allowed for smaller group interaction and direct engagement with instructors, complementing the larger plenary and concurrent sessions that followed later in the week. This pre-conference day gave early arrivals a chance to settle in and connect with peers before the full program commenced.

The Pecha Kucha session on Friday brought a lively and highly visual close to the conference program. Presenters shared their work in a rapid, concise format that emphasized clarity and creativity, with each talk limited to a strict timeframe that kept the energy high throughout the session. This style of presentation proved popular among attendees, offering a refreshing contrast to longer traditional talks. The format encouraged speakers to distill their ideas to their essence, resulting in a dynamic exchange that sent participants home with fresh perspectives and new connections.

Social events throughout the week provided valuable opportunities for informal networking and relaxation. The conference reception, banquet, and organized tours allowed attendees to experience local culture while building relationships that extend beyond the formal program. These gatherings reflected the conference's commitment to fostering a sense of community among data professionals from diverse backgrounds. Whether over dinner or during a guided outing, participants found space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore potential collaborations in a setting that felt both professional and warmly personal.

Registration and logistical arrangements were designed with attendee convenience in mind, from shuttle and bus services to parking and campus safety information. The conference website served as a central hub for details on transportation, hotels, and the full schedule of events, making it easy for participants to plan their visit. Clear communication about session times, room locations, and badge pickup ensured that attendees could focus on the content rather than the logistics. This attention to practical detail contributed to an atmosphere where learning and exchange could flourish without distraction.

Looking back, IASSIST 2017 stands as an archived moment in the ongoing conversation about data's role in research and society. The presentations, posters, and discussions captured a particular inflection point where data was transitioning from something rare and precious to something ubiquitous and commonplace. The themes explored in Lawrence continue to resonate, as questions about data access, teaching, and global collaboration remain central to the work of libraries, agencies, and universities worldwide. The conference left a lasting imprint on those who attended and on the broader data community.