Call for Participation
We are seeking expressions of interest from colleagues who would like to participate in a co-design process focused on the future of civic data work in libraries.
As Civic Switchboard concludes its current IMLS funding, we want to think carefully with colleagues about what comes next. We have learned that librarians and civic data organizations benefit from connected, peer-driven learning, and we want to explore what a community of practice could look like in conversation with people who have been doing this work.
We are inviting expressions of interest from library and civic data colleagues who would like to participate as co-designers. We will invite 5 - 6 participants to engage with us in three structured sessions organized around visioning and structure, benefits, and sustainability.. In recognition of your time and expertise, participants will receive a $500 honorarium upon completion of the three co-design sessions. What’s involved: Participants will join three 90-minute co-design sessions via Zoom and do light asynchronous review of materials shared in advance of each session. The co-design sessions will focus on:
Session 1 - Visioning and Structure: We’ll share a community of practice framework we previously developed and gather your feedback. We will envision a structure and community of practice goals and activities.
Session 2 - Benefits: We will identify roles in a community of practice and identify stakeholders and benefits.
Session 3 - Sustaining the Work: We will envision how a community of practice could grow, be maintained, and be funded over the long term.
Session Dates:
- Co-Design Session 1: April 16, 2026, 2:00 - 3:30pm Eastern / 11:00am - 12:30pm Pacific
- Co-Design Session 2: May 21, 2026, 2:00 - 3:30pm Eastern / 11:00am - 12:30pm Pacific
- Co-Design Session 3: June 18, 2026, 2:00 - 3:30pm Eastern / 11:00am - 12:30pm Pacific
Please complete the expression of interest form by the end of day on March 20. We will respond to expressions of interest by March 27. Feel free to contact civic-switchboard@pitt.edu with any questions!
