As we enter the new year, we wanted to look back on one of our many amazing collaborations with the Department of Information Systems and Technology. On October 4 & 5, 2024, Chapman University welcomed students, families, alums, and community members to campus to celebrate Chapman Family Homecoming. The Leatherby Libraries was thrilled to work with IS&T to celebrate Homecoming with tabling events and a special Master Class collaboration.

Tabling at the Leatherby Libraries

The Leatherby Libraries hosted a table on its first floor to welcome visitors into the library and allow them to pick up snacks, swag, and informational brochures.

Students, alums, and their families were able to explore the library and our special 20th-anniversary exhibits and displays. These exhibits include Beyond the Lens, an AI-generated photography exhibit; AI: The Next Chapter, a book display about the implementation of AI in society; and Library of the Future, which explores emerging trends paving the way for new library resources and services. Visitors were also able to experience the Center for American War Letters, California’s Gold – Huell Howser’s Archives, the Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Memorial Library, and the Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives due to extended Homecoming hours. 

Leatherby Libraries and IS&T Homecoming Master Classes 

This year, the Leatherby Libraries collaborated with the IS&T Department on Homecoming Master Classes to teach attendees about artificial intelligence and information security at Chapman University. More than 40 guests were hosted in the Library Instruction Room for these informational sessions. 

“Everything You Need to Know About AI” was hosted by Anna Alber, Senior Research Scientist in the Department of IS&T, and Doug Dechow, Assistant Dean for Library Research & Data Services at the Leatherby Libraries. This informative session covered a range of topics, including the basics of AI; the role of AI in professional applications and scientific discovery, offering comprehensive insights into the impact and advancements; how students and their parents can become AI literate; and Chapman University policies and resources on AI. The discussion highlighted the Chapman University AI Hub and the Leatherby Libraries AI Literacy Libguide as helpful resources to help guide students navigating AI implementation in higher education. 

Michelle Sypinero, the Assistant Vice President of Information Security in the Department of IS&T, led a Master Class titled “Good Cyber Hygiene.” This session focused on practical strategies that members of the Chapman community can implement to protect their information while using the internet. It covered topics such as password management, safe browsing practices, and the importance of software updates. Michelle also highlighted resources provided by IS&T to help maintain information security.

We want to extend a special thank you to Helen Norris, Michelle Sypinero, Anna Alber, and Doug Dechow for their contributions to our Homecoming festivities. Stay tuned for more workshops on AI and information security from the Leatherby Libraries and IS&T teams! 

* During the Academic Year 2024-2025, Leatherby Libraries proudly celebrates 20 years of supporting the academic experience at Chapman University.