Join your research peers at the 2026 Undergraduate Research Summer Learning Community 

box of donuts

Do you have summer plans yet?  We would love for you to join us in the library for research fun and skills.  The 2026 Undergraduate Research Summer Learning Community is a great way to learn about research, acquire research skills and meet other undergraduates either interested in or currently doing research.  This year the community will run from June 3 to July 22 and meet every Wednesday morning from 9:30 am to 11 am.  The first session will include a celebratory meal and networking to kick off the 8 weeks of skills, friends and fun.  Each session will be facilitated by a mentor engaged in undergraduate research support and will be offered as both in-person and virtually via zoom.  In-person sessions will also have donuts and coffee. The final session will be in-person and feature an Opportunities Fair and more networking time. Attendees of at least 5 sessions will get a digital certificate of attendance which will look great on your LinkedIN profile. You can register and learn more information about the program and weekly topics by visiting the URSLC webpage.  Email askdata@uc.edu for more information and if you have any questions.   

Classroom of students.  They sit in groups at tables that each have a computer monitor at the wall near them

The URSLC is sponsored by UC Libraries and is offered in collaboration with the TRIO McNair Scholars, University Honors Discover program, and the CEAS Office of Professional Development & Community Impact.  The program is free and open to any undergraduate (UC and beyond) interested in research. 

Significant Changes to the NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan requirements starting in May

Starting May 25, 2026 the NIH will require researchers to submit a data management and sharing plan based on updated elements. See for more details – NOT-OD-26-046

The background for the changes as listed in the guide is “to clarify common areas of confusion in the research community while streamlining and simplifying DMS Plans. Since the DMS Policy went into effect in 2023, NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices have evaluated over 1,100 DMS Plans and found that while the majority were acceptable either initially or after minor revisions, many included extraneous details and exceeded the recommended DMS Plan length. NIH is revising DMS Plan elements and requiring the use of the corresponding format page to aid compliance monitoring.”

If you have questions about the new format or general data management questions, email askdata@uc.edu.

Here is a comparison of the current and the updated version questions.

2020 versionAfter May 25, 2026 version
Data Type: briefly describe the scientific data to be managed, preserved, and shared[100 words max] Asks for the key types of scientific data anticipated to be generated during the project to be included in a table, along with information on the repository (or an example repository) where the scientific data may be managed and shared.  
Related Tools, Software and/or Code: specify if needed 
Standards: indicate what standards will be applied to the scientific data and associated metadata  
Data Preservation, Access, and Associated Timelines:  describe what repository will be used, persistent identifiers to use, and when the data will be available.Element 1. Answer Yes or No: Will there be maximum appropriate sharing of scientific data underlying peer-reviewed publications and other findings resulting from the work supported by this award (including preprints, refereed papers reported at conferences, and other findings)?  
Access, Distribution, or Reuse Considerations: describe any applicable factors affecting subsequent access, distribution, or reuse of scientific dataElement 2. Answer Yes or No: Will the scientific data underlying peer-reviewed publications be shared by the time of publication or, for other findings, by the end of the period of performance, which includes no-cost extensions?   Element 3. Answer Yes or No: Will shared scientific data be made available for at least as long as required by applicable data repository policies and/or journal policies?
New Element for 2026 – Element 4: [300 words maximum] If you answered “NO” to elements 1, 2, or 3, or if you anticipate that sharing will be limited in some other way, please describe these limitations and the ethical, legal, or technical factors for them (see for example FAQ B.5 and other relevant FAQs). Your response should specify a particular reason(s) for limiting sharing.
Oversight of Data Management and Sharing: indicate how compliance with the Plan will be monitored and managed, frequency of oversight, and by whom (e.g., titles, roles).Answer Yes or No: If scientific data derived from human research participants will be shared, will privacy, rights, and confidentiality of participants be protected as outlined in NOT-OD-22-213, including whether any scientific data will be shared using access controls? 
New Element for 2026 – For studies subject to the NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy (GDS) (e.g., using NIH funds to generate large-scale human genomic data): Answer Yes, No, or Not Applicable: Will you share all large-scale human genomic and associated data in a NIH-designated repository according to the accelerated timelines expected in the GDS Policy?. If “no,” address in element 4. If “no,” address in element 4. Answer Yes, No, or Not Applicable: Do you anticipate that when sharing large-scale human genomic data that you will be able to meet the expectations of the Institutional Certification in the GDS Policy (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-14-124.html; IV.C.5)? If “no,” address in element 4.

Welcome to the library: Celebrate recently updated spaces that elevate access, collaboration and services

Join UC Libraries this spring at events to celebrate newly updated spaces that foster an adaptive, accessible and productive user experience.

Science Library – February 16

science library

The fall semester saw the opening of a combined Science Library in Braunstein Hall. This thoughtfully transformed space creates a united hub of services, spaces, technology and specialized collections dedicated to supporting the teaching and research needs of the Natural Sciences departments within the College of Arts & Sciences. Although its collections focus on the sciences, the Science Library invites ALL to come and enjoy and make use of the revitalized space in the heart of UC’s campus.

Celebrate Our Grand Opening!
We invite you to join us on Monday, February 16 from 2:00-4:00pm for the Science Library’s Grand Opening Reception! Enjoy refreshments, learn about our new spaces and services, be inspired by our special collections displays, explore science through demonstrations and more!

DaVInci @ Langsam – April 2

The Data Visualization and Interaction at Cincinnati (DaVInCi) team led by Jillian Aurisano, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has created a collaborative space in the library. DaVInCi@Langsam is designed to support collaboration in research and teaching at UC. It offers a large display screen and specialized software that allow everyone in the room to share content and interact. Ongoing research is exploring new ways to heighten interaction with displayed content on the expansive display.

Drop into the DaVInCi@Langsam Open House
Check out the possibilities of the collaborative space at an open house on Thursday, April 2 from 9:30-11:30am, Langsam Library’s 4th floor. Enjoy refreshments while viewing demos of the technology and learn how to reserve and use the space.

CECH Library Reading Room – April 21

The beginning of spring semester brought with it the opening of the renovated College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services (CECH) Library Reading Room. Located on the 4th floor of the Teachers-Dyer Complex, and totaling more than 3,000 square feet, the reading room is accessible via the staircase in the CECH Library or directly for those with a Bearcat ID.

Bathed in natural light, the renovated reading room features flexible, soft seating arrangements in the room’s south and north ends and four large study tables with integrated lighting (coming soon) and power access. An inclusive, reservable study room (400B) features adaptive lighting and study and focus tools.

Celebrate the CECH Library Reading Room Opening
Tuesday, April 21, 2:30-4:30pm, CECH Library Reading Room, 400 Teachers-Dyer Complex. Tour the space, hear remarks from UC Libraries and CECH and enjoy the refreshed space.

UC Libraries GIS Services attends the Urbanism Club Meeting

a slide from the introduction to GIS workshop offered by the urbanism club The title of the slide is GIS Tips, Tricks, and secret tools followed by a GIS help session.

The UC Libraries GIS research consultants attended the Urbanism Club in support of the club’s Introduction to GIS session. GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems and is the process of collecting, analyzing, and managing data with spatial attributes. Fenley Jones, Kayra Koprulu, and Jaclyn Mauro were great hosts and put on an incredibly informative session that covered access to software, how to increase your knowledge base through trainings, and how they personally use different tools. It was really great to see the various ways students are using GIS resources and how the club supports students who are interested in learning more about GIS. To find out more about the club, visit their campuslink page. And the club will be offering additional GIS sessions on March 9th and April 13th.

Weiye (in grey sweater) and Andrew Ho (in red shirt), UC Libraries GIS Research Consultants

The UC Libraries GIS services is available to help students and researchers plan GIS projects, access software, understand how create visualizations such as maps and analyze spatial data. The lab is located in 412 Langsam and is open in the spring during the following hours:

  • Mon 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 
  • Tues 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
  • Wed 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 
  • Thurs 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
  • Fri 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

Weiye Li (Left – Phd student – Geography & GIS) and Andrew Ho (Right – Undergraduate – Planning) look forward to meeting you and learning about your GIS interests.

Read Source, the online newsletter, to learn about the news, events, people and happenings in UC Libraries

source graphic

Read Source, the online newsletter, to learn about the news, events, people and happenings in UC Libraries.

In this issue of Source, Liz Kiscaden, dean and university librarian, writes about a new global library collaboration with the library at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. We announce the opening of two renovated library spaces: the Science Library and the CECH Library Reading Room as we bid a fond farewell to Crosley Tower. We highlight library services in the CECH Library to improve accessibility and our expanding Evidence Synthesis group. Library collections are on display in the Chem Bio building renovation featuring the Oesper Collection and online in a new exhibit by the Archives and Rare Books Library about the Bronson v. the Cincinnati Board of Education. Spring is events season in UC Libraries, and we feature those currently on the calendar.

Read these articles, as well as past issues, on the website. To receive Source via e-mail, contact melissa.norris@uc.edu to be added to the mailing list.

Celebrate the grand opening of the Science Library Monday, Feb. 16, 2-4pm

science library invite

During the summer and fall semesters of 2025, a significant university investment fueled the vibrant formation of a combined Science Library in Braunstein Hall. This thoughtfully transformed space creates a united hub of services, spaces, technology and specialized collections dedicated to supporting the teaching and research needs of the Natural Sciences departments within the College of Arts & Sciences. Although its collections focus on the sciences, the Science Library invites ALL to come and enjoy and make use of the revitalized space in the heart of UC’s campus.

Celebrate Our Grand Opening!
We invite you to join us on Monday, February 16 from 2:00-4:00pm for the Science Library’s Grand Opening Reception! Enjoy refreshments, learn about our new spaces and services, be inspired by our special collections displays, explore science through demonstrations and more!

The Science Library boasts a new service desk, new carpeting, expanded and improved lighting, updated stair treads and a remarkable selection of contemporary furniture. Seating capacity has greatly increased, and over 230 seats are available for individual study, computing, group collaboration and a wide range of special events. The interior design – highlighted by innovative fabrics and wall graphics – draws inspiration from scientific disciplines and the natural world, including works by Cincinnati-based artist Charley Harper. A soothing palette of blues and greens invites students and other visitors alike to experience focus and tranquility.

Continue reading

Welcome Weiye Li, GIS Research Consultant for Research and Data Services

Weiye is a PhD candidate in Geography at the University of Cincinnati. Originally from Shenzhen, China, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Land Resource Management at China University of Geosciences.

His research focuses on geospatial data science, socio-environmental sustainability, and health geography, with a particular interest in applying advanced modeling and algorithms to understand human–environment interactions. He has contributed to several projects including land management, nature-based climate solutions, and urban perception analysis using street-view imagery, and has presented his work at academic conferences such as the American Association of Geographers (AAG) annual meeting.

As a GIS Collab consultant, Weiye looks forward to supporting others while continuing to expand his analytical toolkit in GIS-related analysis. He can share information, offer advice, and even partner on certain projects (on a case by case basis).

The Data & GIS collab is located in 412 Langsam with the hours of

Monday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Wednesday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Thursday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm