With the fall semester in full swing, keeping up with course projects, grant deadlines, and research work can feel like a balancing act. The Leatherby Libraries is rolling out a focused series of October workshops designed to save you time and expand your technical skills.
Whether you’re a student who wants to learn more about communicating with data, or a researcher hunting down external grants or deciding where to publish your manuscript, we have workshops tailored for you.
All workshops are open to Chapman undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff, with flexible options to join in-person or remotely via Zoom. Feel free to bring your lunch and learn. Snacks will be provided for in-person attendees!
Why Attend a Library Workshop?
Hands-on, low-stress learning: Workshops are structured around live demonstrations and real-world examples, with no prior technical experience required.
Dedicated research partners: Pick up practical strategies from subject and data librarians who understand Chapman’s specific research infrastructure and resources, whether you are analyzing data, applying for grants, or choosing where to publish.
Fuel your afternoon: Bring your lunch, pick up new skills, and enjoy complimentary snacks for in-person attendees.
October Workshops Lineup
In an information-rich world, data literacy is the essential ability to read, understand, create, and communicate data effectively. This introductory session covers core data concepts, including data structures, summarization methods, and chart interpretation, with a focus on identifying how figures can be manipulated to mislead. Attendees will also gain practical experience working directly with data in Excel.
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- When: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Hybrid Location: Leatherby Libraries Instruction Room 305 & Online via Zoom
2. Pivot Funding Search Drop-In Office Hours
Searching for external research grants or graduate fellowships doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Drop by the Data Services Librarian’s informal office hours in-person or online via Zoom to get one-on-one help setting up your Pivot profile and crafting targeted keyword searches.
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- When: Monday, October 19, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Hybrid Location: Leatherby Libraries LLB 129 & Online via Zoom
3. What to Consider When Choosing Where to Publish: Open Access Options and Helpful Strategies
Celebrate International Open Access Week with the library! Join us to learn how to evaluate open access publishers and journals to maximize your impact and avoid predatory publishers. Learn to use tools like Cabells, Journal Citation Reports, and the Directory of Open Access Journals to find publishing platforms. We’ll also highlight how Chapman researchers can publish open access at low or no cost through the Leatherby Libraries’ read-and-publish deals and the SOARS (Supporting Open Access Research and Scholarship) program.
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- When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Hybrid Location: Leatherby Libraries Instruction Room 305 & Online via Zoom
Reserving Your Spot
Head over to the Leatherby Libraries’ LibCal Calendar to view more information about workshops for October and the upcoming months. Click the workshop links above or on the Calendar to register for a seat.
Upon registration, you’ll immediately receive a confirmation message containing the Zoom link or room details.
Have a question about a workshop or looking to arrange customized instruction for your class or research group? Feel free to contact your subject liaison librarian anytime.
