Open Scholarship Events for 2026

The Scholarly Publishing and Research team within the KSU Libraries hosts events throughout the semester dedicated to sharing knowledge and best practices in open scholarship. We invite you to attend and learn something new with us!

Experts on Special Collections Webinar Series

A simple graphic that says: Experts on Special Collections Spring 2026 with 4 strips of washi tape on a white background

The KSU Libraries’ Scholarly Publishing and Research team invites you to attend our webinar series titled "Experts on Special Collections." We'll hear from KSU experts on archives, rare books, and special collections in higher education.

If you're interested but unable to attend, register to receive a recording. 

 

Experts on Special Collections: Opening the Archives

Curious about archives? What's inside? How can you visit? Join KSU Archivist Kate Matheny as she demystifies the policies, permissions, and restrictions that once inhibited user access and explores the field’s progress towards opening the archives.

When: Wednesday, February 25 at 11:00AM

Register for this Webinar

Experts on Special Collections: Rare Books for Everyone

Would you touch a priceless, historic manuscript with your bare hands? Join JoyEllen Williams, KSU’s Special Collections and Rare Books Curator, for a deep dive into the evolution of rare book collections from treasure rooms and white gloves to access for all.

When: Wednesday, March 25 at 11:00AM

Register for this Webinar

Experts on Special Collections: Curating a Career

Are you curious about special collections career paths? Join current students Andrew Bramlett and Octavia Mann and alumna Camilla Stegall as they discuss how their experiences with KSU’s special collections have and will shape their careers. KSU Archivist Kate Matheney and Rare Books Curator JoyEllen Williams will add their expertise to the conversation.

When: Wednesday, April 29  at 11:00AM

Register for this Webinar

 

All Things Open Conference

all things open 2026

Join KSU Libraries as we explore open access, open educational resources, open pedagogy, and more at our fourth annual All Things Open Conference! Sessions will take place virtually each day.

The conference is free and open to all.

When: April 6-9 starting at 1:00 PM

For a full event schedule, visit the registration page.

Register for this Event

 

Undergraduate Research Award 2026

Undergraduate Research Award- $500 Prize

The Undergraduate Research Award is open and accepting applications. Undergraduate students may submit one of their best papers and a separate project detailing how they used library and MARB resources.

The grand prize includes:

  • $500 in cash
  • recognition at the Symposium of Student Scholars
  • publication in the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research

Deadline: Friday, December 4

View Details and Submission Instructions

 

 

Event Highlights

Love Data Week

a heart shaped made of many colored lego blocks

We celebrated Love Data Week February 9-13 with our Data Librarian Laura Beane. On Wednesday afternoon, February 11, we hosted Brick by Brick LEGO Data Workshop at the Johnson Library on Marietta campus where students unleashed their creativity and turned their data into a tangible model using Legos. A great time was had by all. See pictures from the event below!

lego blocks assembled into an abstract shape to represent data
Legos arranged into a block to represent data

Open Education Week 

A logo style graphic that says OE Week 26

Celebrate Open Education Week 2026 with the KSU Libraries from March 2-6! Open Education Week is an annual global event that celebrates open and equitable educational practices.  

Throughout the week, you’ll meet our Affordable Learning Librarian, we’ll feature KSU faculty who are championing the movement in their courses, and we’ll share ways that you can foster cost-savings and inclusive practices in your work. 

When: March 2-6

No registration required.

 

Check out our Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn during Open Education Week to learn more!