The Open Sandbox

Exploring tools for open science, digital humanities, and beyond

Format: Hands on exploration of open source digital research tools
Where: Hodges Library Room 253
When: 2^nd Fridays* 2-3pm 
date subject to change according to academic calendar
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The Open Sandbox is a monthly exploration of open source digital research tools. We welcome scholars at all levels to be part of the conversation. Join us on the 2nd Friday of each month at 2pm where a new tool will be featured. Attendees will get hands-on experience while learning how the facilitator uses the tool in their work. The Open Sandbox is organized by the Scholars’ Collaborative in Hodges Library and is open to all. Email us to suggest a tool to explore.

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February 14 – Open Science Framework with Chris Eaker, Data Curation Librarian

OSF (https://osf.io/) is a free, open source web application that connects and supports the research workflow, enabling scientists to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their research. Researchers use OSF to collaborate, document, archive, share, and register research projects, materials, and data.

March 13 – Introduction to HathiTrust & HathiTrust Research Center with Rachel Caldwell, Scholarly Communication Librarian

The HathiTrust is a repository made up of digitized texts from research libraries around the United States. Books in the public domain are freely accessible; other books are available for text mining projects led by scholars. Learn more about the HathiTrust Research Center’s tools and services for text mining as well as freely accessible datasets.

April 17 – QGIS with Eric Arnold, GIS Specialist

QGIS is an open source, cross platform desktop geographic information system application. It allows you to view, edit, and analyze geospatial data. Learn about the QGIS user interface, using geospatial data, and creating a simple map. https://qgis.org

Note: this workshop date is the 3rd Friday

May 8 – Voyant Tools with Michelle Brannen, Head of the Scholars’ Collaborative

Voyant Tools is an open source, online text analysis tool. Voyant includes a number of different types of visualization tools to analyze text that you bring into a project. The open hosted platform is a good place to explore text mining processes. https://voyant-tools.org