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UMass Amherst Libraries will host “PIT x UMass: Developing Technology for the Public Interest,” an exhibit in the Science and Engineering Library, during regular library hours from April 1-May 19. A reception will take place in the exhibit space, located in the Lederle Graduate Research Center (GRC) Lowrise, on Tuesday, April 2, from 4-6 p.m.
Public Interest Technology (PIT) focuses on the development and realization of socially responsible solutions to the challenges of a technology-driven world. This emerging field brings together researchers, technologists, policymakers and more from across disciplines and sectors.
The exhibit will feature PIT-related research and advocacy that is taking place across the UMass Amherst community as conducted by UMass faculty and students. The faculty projects featured in the exhibit are supported by the PIT@UMass initiative, which is a growing hub of PIT-related work on campus and beyond.
“UMass Amherst is a pioneer in rebooting higher education to promote social responsibility in our tech-powered world,” says Fran Berman, director of Public Interest Technology and PIT@UMass co-founder. “It’s tremendously exciting to see faculty, students, staff and leadership from all over campus take the lead in creating public interest tech-focused coursework, certificates, events and clubs to build needed 21st century literacies and skills.”
Berman added, “This exhibit celebrates the launch and extraordinary impact of the PIT@UMass initiative and the UMass Public Interest Technology community and ushers in new opportunities for impact on campus, within the region and nationally.”
“The Libraries are the ideal place to showcase the meaningful and vital work occurring as part of the PIT@UMass initiative,” Nandita Mani, dean of University Libraries says. “As a critical partner for the creation and dissemination of research and scholarship at UMass Amherst, this is in keeping with our land-grant mission to create positive impact on the Commonwealth and the broader society we serve.”
“We are delighted to host the exhibit and introduce the broader community to the incredible work PIT is doing to foster the socially responsible and ethical development and use of technology for society,” adds Rebecca Reznik-Zellen, head of the Science and Engineering Library.
The exhibit is supported through the combined efforts of the PIT@UMass initiative, Responsible Technology Coalition graduate student club, PIT-Club undergraduate student club, Sophia Schweik of BDIC and the UMass Amherst Libraries. For more information, email Reznik-Zellen at rreznikz@library.umass.edu.
