Libraries

UMass Amherst Libraries Host Exhibit, “PIT x UMass: Developing Technology for the Public Interest”

The UMass Amherst Libraries will host the exhibit, “PIT x UMass: Developing Technology for the Public Interest,” April 1 through May 19, 2024. The exhibit is open for viewing during regular Library hours in the Science and Engineering Library, Lederle GRC Lowrise, UMass Amherst. A reception will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 4-6 p.m. in the exhibit space.

 

Collage of images of people looking at data on tablets and computers; blind justice; protesting with "My data my choice", "Opt In", "Privacy Now!", "Right to Delete" signs; doctor looking at a patient's information; person getting a degree; city with wifi signs; center circle image of people high-fiving under disco ball.

Public Interest Technology (PIT) focuses on the development and realization of socially responsible solutions to the challenges of a technology-driven world. This is an emerging field that brings together researchers, technologists, policymakers, and more from across disciplines and across sectors. This exhibit features the PIT-related research and advocacy that is taking place across the UMass Amherst community as conducted by UMass faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates. 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. 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. 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,” says Fran Berman, director of Public Interest Technology and PIT@UMass co-founder.

“We are delighted to host the PIT x UMass Exhibit in the Science & Engineering Library, introducing our broader community to the incredible work PIT is doing to foster the socially responsible and ethical development and use of technology for society,” says Rebecca Reznik-Zellen, head of the Science and Engineering Library. 

“The Libraries are the ideal place to showcase the meaningful and vital work occurring as part of the PIT@UMass initiative,” says Nandita Mani, Dean of University Libraries. “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.”

This exhibit was made possible through the combined efforts of the Public Interest Technology at UMass Amherst (PIT@UMass) initiative, the Responsible Technology Coalition (graduate student club), the PIT-Club (undergraduate student club), Sophia Schweik of BDIC, and the UMass Amherst Libraries.