Technology & Social Change Group

The Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) at the University of Washington Information School explores the role of digital technologies in building more open, inclusive, and equitable societies.

Students working on their computers in a sunny corner of a library.

Leveraging Use of Open Data by Public Library Staff for Community Benefit

What are the current barriers among library staff to using open data for planning and decision-making?

calm ocean at sunset

Ocean Data for Decision-Making

How can communities enhance their capacity to participate more equally with scientists and policymakers in ocean management decision-making?

Buildings in a city at night. Many lines of blue light are connecting different buildings across the image.

Creating the Digital Bridge: How Physically Distant Technology Access and Assistance Can Support Workers in a New Economy

This project will pilot a small-scale program to provide job seekers with home technology and remote support to develop digital skills and prepare for new careers.

A group of people looking at a set of mysterious maps and other artifacts in an escape room. The room is filled with purple light.

Misinformation Escape Room

Designing online and physical escape rooms for people to experience and learn about misinformation

A web of black lines connecting together to make geometric shapes on a white background

Innovations for Community-Held Infrastructure

Launching interdisciplinary research into the design, implementation, and deployment of community-held urban network infrastructure

A view of the Tacoma skyline from the East

The Community Archives Center for Tacoma

Bringing community members and organizations together to broaden participation and inclusion within cultural heritage collections

A view from space of the Arctic

Co-Designing Civic Education for the Circumpolar North

Launching collaborative research to produce a model for teaching civic education for the circumpolar North

Research Highlights

Buildings in a city at night. Many lines of blue light are connecting different buildings across the image.

What technical and personal supports do people need to use technology to reach their employment and other goals?

Creating the Digital Bridge: How Physically Distant Technology Access and Assistance Can Support Workers in a New Economy

Students working on their computers in a sunny corner of a library.

What are the current barriers among library staff to using open data for planning and decision-making?

Leveraging Use of Open Data by Public Library Staff for Community Benefit

A group of people looking at a set of mysterious maps and other artifacts in an escape room. The room is filled with purple light.

Designing interactive games for fostering resilience to misinformation

Misinformation Escape Room

A view from space of the Arctic

Launching collaborative research to produce a model for teaching civic education for the circumpolar North

Co-Designing Civic Education for the Circumpolar North

Recent Updates

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Publications & Resources

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Creating a Digital Bridge: Lessons and policy implications from a technology access and distribution program for low-income job seekers

Conference Presentation Stacey Wedlake, September 2021

“Help is really necessary”: Case study of a technology distribution program for low-income job seekers

Conference Presentation Stacey Wedlake, September 2021

Digital Bridge: Providing digital access to low-income job seekers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Research Report Stacey Wedlake, David Keyes and Yvette Iribe Ramirez, September 2021

Creating a Digital Bridge: Lessons and policy implications from a technology access and distribution program for low-income job seekers

Conference Paper Stacey Wedlake, Yvette Iribe Ramirez, Chris Jowaisas and David Keyes, August 2021

Data for advocacy: A Survey of data practices in African library systems

Research Report Renee Lynch, Chris Jowaisas, Stanley Boakye-Achampong, Jason Young, Joel Sam and Bree Norlander, April 2021

Public Libraries and Development across SubSaharan Africa: Overcoming a Problem of Perception

Article Jason Young, Renee Lynch, Stanley Boakye-Achampong, Chris Jowaisas and Joel Sam, April 2021

People

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Jason Young
Senior Research Scientist
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Maria Garrido
Principal Research Scientist
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What We Do

Conduct applied research for improving policy and practice
Engage with communities as thought partners
Manage large-scale and multi-country initiatives
Provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience
Collaborate with faculty across the University of Washington