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Category: Events

3rd Annual NS Open Data Contest – Robyn Nicholson

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2019 Open Data_Participants working

2019 NS Open Data Participants

Open Data Contest
Robyn Nicholson

In conjunction with International Open Data Day, the first weekend in March this year saw the return of the Third Annual Open Data Competition to Dalhousie. Organized by the Province of Nova Scotia, the School of Information Management (SIM) and the Rowe School of Business, the event saw twenty-eight teams compete using Nova Scotia open data to create apps, models, visualizations, dashboards and more to address issues affecting Nova Scotia residents. The event was sponsored by the Government of Nova Scotia, Dalhousie Faculty of Management, ESRI, IBM and Socrata.

The weekend got off to a strong start bright and early Saturday morning as teams met with mentors and got started on their projects. SIM MLIS student and competition participant Dan Phillips noted, “it was difficult to decide which was the most effective use of our time: crunching numbers and writing code, or chatting with mentors as we wrestled with our problem.” By early afternoon on Sunday the Rowe building was buzzing with energy as teams prepared to present their work.

Judges Sandra Cascadden (Associate Deputy Minister and CIO, Internal Services), Stephen Greene (Development Practice Leader, Halifax CIC, IBM), Thozamile Javu (PNS Innovation Garage Manager, IBM Services) and Brit Perry (Account Manager, Tyler Technologies Inc.) had their work cut out for them, as team numbers jumped from twenty-four on Saturday up to twenty-eight total by Sunday. Pressure was on, with a tight schedule and a strict two-minute cap on presentations, but teams rose to the challenge and presented a rich variety of creative and innovative solutions using the tools and data at hand.

After an exciting slew of presentations, it was time for lengthy deliberations. Om Agarwal took home first prize under his team name Prognomatrix after wowing judges with an AI tool that used deep/machine learning algorithms and frameworks to diagnose breast and skin cancer with impressive accuracy. Second prize went to Yingda Guo and Matt Richard, a.k.a. Data Boys, whose work focused on a web app aimed at predicting seasonal disease prevalence. Team 3, made up of Fasuyi Morounkeji, Sadman Hoque Sadi, Sarbottam Thapa, took third prize for their work on an app geared toward reducing food wastage and food insecurity in the province by notifying foodbanks of food surpluses nearby. The People’s Choice, as voted by contest participants, went to Tina Roberts-Jeffers (a.k.a Take 2) and her app called On Second Thought which was designed to enhance tourism in Nova Scotia by giving both visitors and residents new ideas about ways to explore the province.

Closing remarks made by Minister of Internal Services Patricia Arab lauded the creativity and problem-solving skills of participants as well as the power of open data. The Nova Scotia open data portal has been active since 2016, and these teams demonstrated what kind of original and exciting solutions can be created from simple datasets when motivated and thoughtful minds are brought together. Dan Phillips (current MLIS student) echoed these sentiments, saying, “there’s a lot of interesting stuff in the NS Open Data repository – and it’s not just there on the competition weekend. I’m already digging around for interesting datasets to use next year.” Issues ranging from public health and pollution to immigration and tourism were all addressed.

SIM students at the 2019 NS Open Data Contest (Li Liu, Dan Phillips, Yifan Liu, Dr. Sandra Toze, Director of SIM, Dr. Vivian Howard, Interim Dean FoM)

The power of information is a central value for SIM, and the results of the Open Data Competition further illustrate the vital nature of inspiring young professionals to recognize the possibilities for public good when skills, tools, data and passion are combined. SIM Director Sandra Toze would also like to add a final thanks to all the mentors from the Faculty of Management, Dalhousie Libraries and across the University who helped make this an excellent event.

Job Posting: Lecturer, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (SIM)

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School of Information Management
Dalhousie University
Lecturer, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor

The School of Information Management (SIM) invites applications for a probationary tenure-track, tenure-track or tenured position at the rank of Lecturer, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor commencing July 1st 2019 (negotiable).

The Faculty of Management is developing a new Masters program in Digital Innovation jointly with the Faculty of Computer Science. Positions relating to this new program are being advertised in the Faculty of Computer Science, Rowe School of Business, and School of Information Management. It is an occasion to join a strong and diversified team, in an environment where new programs are being introduced. Please see also the Rowe School of Business posting (https://blogs.dal.ca/academiccareers/2018/09/21/rowe-school-of-business-career-stream/) and Computer Science posting (https://blogs.dal.ca/academiccareers/2018/09/21/faculty-of-computer-science-career-stream/) for details on those positions and how to apply. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications to more than one competition.

This position combines teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. The School seeks candidates with a strong interest in, and capacity for, interdisciplinary research. Candidates will be expected to teach in at least two programs at the graduate or undergraduate levels. Professional information management experience will be an asset.

The successful candidate will have a PhD (or ABD status) in information management or a related discipline, with research expertise and/or teaching experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Data management, including analytics, visualization, curation, and preservation
  • Information systems
  • Information risk management
  • New and emerging media and/or technology, including digital transformation
  • Other relevant areas including organizational learning, collaboration, user experience, or knowledge management

The SIM (http://sim.management.dal.ca) offers two graduate programs: the American Library Association-accredited Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) program, and the mid-career blended learning Master of Information Management (MIM) program. At the undergraduate level, the School provides core and elective courses in the Bachelor of Management program, delivered collaboratively with the three other schools in the Faculty of Management. The School also participates in Dalhousie’s Interdisciplinary PhD program.

The SIM is part of the interdisciplinary Faculty of Management (http://www.dal.ca/faculty/management.html), which also includes the School of Public Administration, the School for Resource and Environmental Studies, and the Rowe School of Business. The Faculty of Management’s mission is to collaboratively advance management knowledge and practice, and its vision is inspiring managerial solutions to transform lives. We seek an additional colleague who will contribute to, and thrive in, this environment.

Dalhousie University (http://www.dal.ca/) is one of Canada’s leading teaching and research universities, with four professional faculties; a Faculty of Graduate Studies; and a diverse complement of graduate programs. Inter-faculty collaborative and interactive research is encouraged, as is cooperation in teaching. Dalhousie University inspires students, faculty, staff and alumni to make significant contributions regionally, nationally, and to the world.

Dalhousie University is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Halifax is a vibrant capital city and is the business, academic, and medical centre for Canada’s east coast.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Dalhousie University is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The university encourages applications from Aboriginal people, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.

Review of applications will begin on October 22, 2018. To receive full consideration, please submit your application by this deadline. Applications received after October 22 may also be considered.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of past teaching evaluations, and statements of teaching philosophy and of research interests. (Each statement should be approximately one page.) Applications must also include a completed Self-Identification Questionnaire, which is available at www.dal.ca/becounted/selfid.

Applications should be directed to:

Ms. Kim Humes
School of Information Management
Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building
6100 University Avenue, Suite 4010
PO BOX 15000
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
sim@dal.ca
Fax:  902-494-2451
Voice:  902-494-3656

Electronic applications are preferred.

On Campus With: Sandra Toze (Librarianship.ca)

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Dr. Sandra Toze (SIM Director and Assistant Professor) was recently interviewed by Librarianship.ca about her career path, research and the ever-evolving nature of the information professions. A great read to kick off a new academic year!

Full interview re-posted from here:

Toze, SandraWhere are you from? What did you do before joining the faculty at Dalhousie University?

I am originally from Ancaster, Ontario. I graduated from Queen’s University with a BAH in History and Politics. My first real job was in a special library in a brokerage firm. My love of this profession grew from there. I complete my MLIS at the University of Toronto and worked in the Financial Services industry as a Director of Information Services for many years. I joined the School of Information Management at Dalhousie in 2003 and completed by PhD while working as a Lecturer. I became Director of the school in 2015.

What are your research and teaching interests?

My entire career has involved examining the evolving relationship between information and information services, people, technology and work. I am motivated to understand the possibilities and risks inherent in the increased impact of technology, and the need for reflection on unintended consequences.

I have centred my research around three evolving and interconnected strands:

  1. the collaborative information and data processes of groups;
  2. the shift to digital governance; and
  3. user specific, social, and mobile information interactions.

These areas of research are interdisciplinary and integrate research from knowledge management, collaboration, organizational learning, sociology, information seeking, and computer supported co-operative work.

Similarly, I have focused my teaching in the areas of knowledge management, human information interaction, information and research services, collaboration, and management without borders.

What advice would you give to a new faculty or staff member?

This field is interdisciplinary by nature, and very much expanding and affected by technology. Find areas that connect with your interests and your past experiences. I also love that people in our field are so collaborative. There are so many opportunities to work with our associations and other disciplines.

Coolest thing in your office?

The view!

As Director I have a corner office, so can see across to our Arts Centre, as well as to the Student Union Building, and up the street to the iconic Henry Hicks building.

I also have a beautiful table cloth from Iran, a fan from Spain, and rocks from the beach near our farmhouse in Malagash Nova Scotia.

If you didn’t teach librarianship, what would you be doing?

Probably being a librarian! I love working with people and researching.

What changes have you seen in the teaching of librarianship since you started teaching?

Especially in terms of research/reference services, the impact of Google and internet has affected our roles.

I am excited by the expansion of what our academic and public libraries do. The need to design and create user centred information and data services has also expanded. These are now becoming core skills.

What do you think is the most important aspect of being an information professional today?

Beyond knowing the core aspects of our profession, adaptability is key. You can connect our skills across all industries. With the growing impact of AI, machine learning, and issues such as fake news, the importance of the values and ethics of our profession are increasingly important.

How do you stay current in your field?

I love to attend conferences, and a wide range of conferences from academic to professional. I read as much as I can, follow experts, and have alerts on topics of interest to me.

What emerging topics do you foresee in the future of LIS research?

In many ways I see us continuing to study what we always have, but in new contexts. Information and data are really the key elements of most organizations, and the consideration of this is increasingly important.

Dr. Bertrum MacDonald: Reflections on SIM50

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Did you know that SIM is turning 50 in 2019? This is a time of reflection and celebration. We invite you to accompany us on the journey by following this blog, our website, and the #SIM50 hashtag on Facebook and Twitter.

Re-posted from CEGE Connection (the Centre for Executive & Graduate Education blog):

CEGE Connection reached out to Dr. Bertrum MacDonald, Professor, School of Information Management, to share his thoughts on reaching the 50th year mark, given the ever-increasing influence of information management within our society.

Faculty Profile_Bertrum MacDonald (214x210)Dr. Bertrum MacDonald:

Thank you for opportunity to share my thoughts on the evolution of information management.  Indeed, we are experiencing exponential leaps in how information is applied within our daily interactions. I agree that INFORM provides invaluable information on current research that is being conducted by Dalhousie.

I have been a faculty member in the School of Information Management for many years – more than half of the 50 that the School will celebrate in 2019! During this period, I have served as Director of the School, then Associate Dean (Research) in the wider Faculty of Management, and recently for a short term as Interim Dean of the Faculty. I have taught courses in the Master of Information Management since it was launched in 2008, beginning with the first course offered in the program: Information, People, and Society.

I head the interdisciplinary Environmental Information: Use and Influence research program (EIUI), based in the School of Information Management. My primary research area focuses on questions about information use and influence in marine management and policy development. The goal is to advance understanding of the many pathways of information (scientific, social science, and local) at the science-policy interface in marine environment contexts.

I look forward to joining the CEGE Conversation and highlighting the strength of the School of Information Management programs. The need to increase literacy in information management has reached a critical juncture.

We have come a far distance in 50 years. We have a solid foundation upon which to build for the future.

Dr. Bertrum MacDonald
Professor
July 2018

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