MCLS members who are unable to attend ALA this January are invited to join us for an online viewing party featuring OCLC’s ALA Symposium, “Big Data.”

Big Data refers to data sets so large that they are unmanageable using traditional hardware and software. The term also describes how fields like science, research, business, and government are applying new analytical tools to large data sets. In a provocative 2008 Wired feature, Chris Anderson claimed that Big Data spells the “end of theory.” He argued that with large enough information sets, data analysis can lead to more accurate and useful conclusions than traditional experimental methods. While the jury is still out on that claim, it is clear that Big Data presents implications for everything from national security, to education, to advertising. Join us for a symposium providing a basic overview of the topic as well as insightful discussion of how Big Data intersects the world of library and information services.

Event: OCLC Symposium Viewing Party: Big Data
Date: Wednesday, February 13
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm ET
Location: Online
Register here

Presenters:
Keynote speaker Alistair Croll is a technology marketing entrepreneur and writer with a background in Internet technologies, product management, and the Web. Croll co-founded Year One Labs, helping early-stage companies find their product and market. He also has experience helping new companies with industry research, product design, and marketing communications.

MCLS Executive Director Randy Dykhuis will facilitate a discussion regarding Big Data and what it means for MCLS libraries.