Conference Contacts
Questions about IASSIST 2017 were directed to the committees below, each responsible for a different part of the conference in Lawrence, Kansas.
Local Arrangements Committee
Co-Chairs:
- Jamene Brooks-Kieffer, KU Libraries, University of Kansas
- San Cannon, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
- Larry Hoyle, Institute for Policy & Social Research, University of Kansas
Program Committee
Co-Chairs:
- Samantha Guss, University of Richmond
- Michele Hayslett, University of North Carolina
Billing & KU Housing Questions
Handled inquiries related to billing and KU Student Housing for conference attendees.
About IASSIST
IASSIST is an international association of professionals working with data services and social science research. More on the organization is available at iassistdata.org.
At the heart of the IASSIST 2017 conference lies a simple but powerful idea: data is the common language that bridges disciplines, institutions, and communities. Held in the geographic midpoint of the United States, this gathering brings together professionals who work with data across libraries, research agencies, and technology sectors. The program explores how information flows from rare and precious resources to the ubiquitous and commonplace, and what that shift means for research integrity, reproducibility, and access. Attendees share strategies for teaching data literacy, managing digital collections, and building sustainable infrastructure that supports discovery across the social sciences and beyond.
The conference program is structured to encourage deep engagement and lively exchange across a range of formats. Plenary sessions feature thought leaders examining pressing topics such as food security research, the cultural collision of technology and tradition, and the evolving role of data in the twenty-first century. Workshops offer hands-on skill-building opportunities, while poster sessions and pecha kucha presentations provide quick, highly visual glimpses into innovative projects. Each day is carefully scheduled to balance focused learning with ample time for informal conversation, ensuring that every participant can find their place in the conversation.
Beyond the formal program, the local setting offers a rich backdrop for connection and exploration. Lawrence, Kansas, sits at the intersection of agricultural heritage and a growing technology hub, reflecting the conference theme of data in the middle. Transportation and lodging arrangements are designed to make navigation simple, with shuttle services connecting hotels, the university union, and nearby attractions. Social events, including a reception and banquet, create relaxed spaces for building relationships across institutional boundaries, while a guided tour highlights the region's unique character and history.
IASSIST itself is an international association dedicated to advancing the work of data professionals and social science researchers. The organization provides a global network for sharing best practices, developing standards, and advocating for open and equitable access to data. This annual conference serves as a vital touchpoint for members to reconnect, recruit new colleagues, and reflect on the evolving challenges and opportunities in data services. Archived materials from the meeting ensure that the conversations and insights generated here continue to inform the field long after the final session concludes.