The University of Toronto Scarborough Library offers workshops that help students build research, data, and digital skills. Our workshops support course work, assignments, and independent projects.

Workshops for course-related instruction

We work with instructors and departments to design in-class workshops that connect directly to course assignments.

These sessions help students develop practical research and academic skills they can use throughout their degree.

To request a workshop or ask a question, contact your liaison librarian.

Workshops for student groups

We offer workshops for study groups and student organizations. These sessions focus on research skills, library tools, and resources related to a specific subject area or project.

To request a workshop or ask a question, contact your liaison librarian.

Workshop topics

Below are examples of workshops available through the U of T Scarborough Library.

Research skills

Journal articles

Learning objectives

Use library databases to find scholarly articles
Brainstorm keywords
Create search strategies using boolean operators

Library orientation

Learning objectives

Access library resources (physical space and website)
Access article databases to locate scholarly articles on an assigned topic
Access the LibrarySearch to find books (at U of T Scarborough Library, other U of T libraries and online) on an assigned topic

Online Training:
Library Research Skills Modules: A series of six modules introducing students to foundational library skills. Includes a CCR edition.

Searching for books

Learning objectives

Understand when to use LibrarySearch
Develop keywords and search strategies
Use filters to narrow results
Find print and online books

Finding images

Learning objectives

Choose the right tools for finding images
Use licensed University of Toronto databases
Use images ethically in academic work

Image resources

Fake news and misinformation

Learning objectives

Understand how information can be collected and used to support discrimination
Examine how information systems affect different groups
Question why and how information is shared

Related guide

How to spot misinformation

Introduction to a specific database

Learning objectives

Understand the purpose of the database
Develop keywords and search strategies
Use filters to refine results

Database tutorial videos

Introduction to Zotero

Learning objectives

Save citations in Zotero
Organize research materials
Create bibliographies

Zotero support

Zotero research guide

Data and digital scholarship

Introduction to ArcGIS Online

Learning objectives

Learn core GIS concepts
Find, import, and analyze data
Create and share maps

ArcGIS Online sample workshop

Introduction to NVivo

Learning objectives

Understand qualitative and quantitative data
Navigate the NVivo interface
Create projects, code data, and write memos

NVivo sample workshop

Introduction to OpenRefine

Learning objectives

Learn data cleaning concepts
Apply filters and facets
Standardize and transform data

OpenRefine sample workshop

Introduction to APIs

Learning objectives

Understand how APIs work
Explore APIs available through the University of Toronto Libraries
Build a basic API query

API sample workshop

Introduction to open educational resources (OER)

Learning objectives

Understand Creative Commons licences
Attribute open resources using the TASL framework
Find and adapt open textbooks and learning materials

Open educational resources sample workshop

Introduction to podcasting

Learning objectives

Explore podcast formats
Edit audio using Audacity
Export and share a podcast project

Podcasting workshop and learning materials

Introduction to live streaming with OBS Studio

Learning objectives

Use the OBS Studio interface
Set up live streaming with a virtual camera
Use OBS for teaching and communication

Live streaming workshop resources

Introduction to infographics

Learning objectives

Understand what infographics are and how they are used
Plan and design visual content
Apply accessibility best practices

Introduction to Excel

Learning objectives

Understand workbooks and worksheets
Work with different data types
Perform basic calculations and sorting
Create charts and pivot tables

Foundational data literacy modules (CCR credit)

Introduction to StorymapsJS

Learning objectives

Understand how StoryMapJS can support your research
Connect historical information to geographic locations using digital tools
Upload content and organize data points in StoryMapJS

StorymapsJS sample workshop

Introduction to TimelineJS

Learning objectives

Understand how timelines can support your research
Organize information in chronological order using digital tools
Prepare and format data to build a timeline
Explore tools for creating timelines
Create an interactive timeline using TimelineJS

TimelineJS sample workshop

Entrepreneurship and innovation

Industry research for startups

Learning objectives

Identify proprietary and open sources of industry information
Review a market research report quickly and effectively
Use models to conduct your own industry analysis
Apply tools and frameworks to analyze and interpret industry data

Data resources for entrepreneurs

Learning objectives

Describe different types of data and explain how they support your business idea
Identify your research question and find relevant data to support it
Evaluate data from multiple sources using critical thinking and judgment

Additional workshops, including "Company and competitor research," are offered, and can be found on the entrepreneurship research workshops page.

Makerspace workshops

Introduction to 3D design

This hands-on session introduces you to 3D design using Tinkercad, a free design platform that is ideal for beginners.

At the end of the workshop, you will have created a basic object that is ready to be 3D printed.

You are welcome to use your own laptop.

Tinkercad Website

Podcasts: the basics

This online session will introduce you to the tools and resources related to podcasts.

You will learn about best practices for creating a podcast, including:

choosing a format
comparing recording software
selecting the proper equipment needed to complete your audio project

Podcasts: beyond the basics

This session builds on the basics of podcasting. By the end, you will be able to:

understand podcast mastering, directories, and RSS feeds
edit an audio file using Audacity through a hands-on exercise

To take part in the activity, download the free Audacity software before the session.

Audacity Website

Introduction to Cricut

This session introduces you to Design Space, the tool used to create Cricut projects. By the end, you will be able to:

use Design Space to start and manage your projects
browse the Cricut design library or create your own designs
create simple projects such as stickers or greeting cards

To participate in the workshop, download the free Design Space program from the Cricut website before the session.

Cricut Website

Workshop requests at U of T Scarborough Library

More information

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