Curious about data? Ready to dive into the world of data cleaning, wrangling, and analysis?
Join us for Fun Data Fridays! This lively and hands-on series led by our librarians will be running from January to March!
We’ll explore a variety of data topics designed to boost your skills and confidence in working with data, an essential skill set in today’s academic and professional world. Whether you're tackling coursework, launching a research project, or preparing for your future career, these sessions will give you the tools to succeed.
Where? The BRIDGE Finance & Data Lab
When? Every other Friday starting January 23rd, for two hours of active, in-person learning
Who? Open to all members of the U of T community
Expect engaging discussions, practical exercises, and a welcoming space to learn and grow. Spots are limited, so be sure to register today—we can’t wait to explore the world of data with you!
- Excel and the Fundamentals of Data — January 23, 2026, 3-5pm
Learn the basics of using data in spreadsheets, with Excel or Google Sheets. This will be an introduction to a 10 module CCR course called the Foundational Data Literacy Skills Training.
- Messy Data Cleaning (OpenRefine) — February 6, 2026, 3-5pm
Stuck with messy data? In this workshop you will learn to clean unstructured spreadsheets quickly to make the most of your data. This workshop will quickly allow you to aggregate many cells into one, transpose data from columns to rows, and more.
- Informative Infographics — February 20, 2026, 3-5pm
Learn the fundamentals of creating compelling infographics to communicate data and ideas effectively. Using real-world examples and free design tools, we’ll explore how to transform complex information into clear, visually engaging graphics that capture attention and tell a story.
- Visualizing Data with Maps (ArcGIS Online) — March 6, 2026, 3-5pm
In this workshop we will discuss what aspects of a map make it interpretable and how to apply your research data, or census data to maps to better understand the world around us. You will learn how to map geospatial data, map layers, and how to apply map layers in ArcGIS Online and analyze that data.
- Qualitative Data Analysis (NVivo) — March 20, 2026, 3-5pm
Working with survey data or a large corpus of research materials can be daunting. Learn the basics of qualitative data analysis through a discussion and practice. We will use NVivo software to help organize, code, and analyze qualitative data by applying mixed methods to research materials.
For more information about Fun Data Friday events, please contact Elizabeth O'Brien (elizabeth.obrien@utoronto.ca).