UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Libraries’ Outreach Working Group will host a series of spring semester 2026 workshops and events benefiting Penn State undergraduate and graduate students. Most events will be held online via Zoom to enable students University-wide to attend, with some University Park campus in-person events noted below. All students are encouraged to attend and expand their community networks.
Detecting Generative AI and Misinformation (virtual)
1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27
Zoom registration
Distinguishing fact from fabrication is a detective’s bread and butter. This workshop tackles the ethical and practical challenges of misinformation in the age of generative AI. Participants will practice identifying AI-generated text and images and discuss how to apply scrutiny, skepticism and search strategies to discern what is real, reliable and responsible.
Exploring Your Field Through Diagramming
2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library, University Park
In-person registration
This workshop will approach diagramming through an exploratory and artistic activity to familiarize yourself with the current themes in a key journal in your field. If you’re just getting started on a project or seeking greater understanding in a field aligned with your primary research, join us for an overview of program options and strategies followed by time to start designing. All students are welcome to attend.
Take a Break: Make a Felt Coffee Sleeve
1–3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29
301 Paterno Library, University Park
Stop by the William and Joan Schreyer Business Library, 301 Paterno Library, to make a felt coffee sleeve. All crafting supplies will be provided during this fun, in-person workshop. Drop in any time 1–3 p.m. with your friends!
Down the Rabbit Hole: One Article, 100 References (virtual)
1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3
Zoom registration
Discover the importance of bibliographies, citations and often-overlooked details in an academic paper.
Library Resources 101 (virtual)
1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4
Zoom registration
Start your semester right and get to know all the free resources your library has to offer. This session will provide a high-level overview of the University Libraries’ resources and research support, like interlibrary loan, research guides and more.
Tips and Tricks for Deep Level Searching for Print/eBook Materials (hybrid)
3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5
114 Deike Building, Fletcher L. Byrom EMS Library, University Park and Zoom
Register for reminder
Learn how out to cast a deeper net into the library’s catalog. Tips and tricks for deep level searching for print and ebook materials. The session will focus on how to bring different materials to the surface that normally do not show up in a top 10 list.
How to Read a Scientific Article (virtual)
Noon, Monday, Feb. 16
Zoom registration
Scientific journal articles often contain many different sections that may seem overwhelming for a novice reader. Through this hands-on workshop, attendees will learn the basics of reading a scientific paper along with tips and tricks on how to take notes to incorporate into their own research endeavors.
A Study in Time Management: Generating Study Materials in Generative AI (virtual)
3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25
Zoom registration
Sherlock Holmes relied on methodical study, and so can you. Here we explore how generative AI can boost productivity and organization in academic life. Learn to generate outlines, flashcards, summaries and study guides while also building critical awareness of when and how to rely on AI for personal and scholarly growth.
Spring Graduate Student Writing Retreat
Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library, 201 Davey Lab, University Park
10 a.m.–3 p.m. March 9–11
Registration required by March 4
Penn State University Libraries is hosting its Annual Graduate Student and Postdoc Writing Retreat Monday, March 9, through Wednesday, March 11, in the Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library. All graduate students are welcome to attend one, two or all three days. Each day, the retreat will provide registrants with hot beverages, snacks and lunch. Students may work on their theses, dissertations or other writing projects and attend optional short workshops.
Finish it Fridays
10 a.m.—2 p.m. Feb. 27, Franklin Atrium, first floor Pattee Library and Paterno Library, University Park (doughnuts available)
9 a.m.–3 p.m. March 20, April 3, April 17, May 1, ECoRE Building, Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library and Schreyer Business Library, University Park
Register for reminders
Wrap up your week by finishing your writing. Join fellow STEM graduate students to finish your paper, thesis, dissertation or project. Coffee and workspace will be provided at all events. Expert subject librarians will be on hand to answer research-related questions.
Thinking with and against Generative AI: Knowledge, Power and Ethics (virtual)
Noon Tuesday, March 17
Zoom registration
Generative AI is trained on large-scale data, produces information-like outputs, and increasingly shapes knowledge production in professional and academic settings. But whose “knowledge” do Generative AI tools actually represent? This workshop explores generative AI tools through centering critical analysis activities and collaborative discussions. During the workshop, we will be unpacking generative AI outputs in terms of power, ethics, and questions of Global North bias and authorship in the humanities and social sciences. Come learn more about how these systems are embedded in power structures, explore careful uses, biases and limitations, as well as leave with practical ideas on how and when to use generative AI critically in research, teaching, and learning.
Intellectual Property Basics (hybrid)
1 p.m. Monday, March 23, Zoom and 201 Davey Lab, University Park
Registration
Intellectual property (IP) is a cornerstone of innovation and creativity in our world. From the music we listen to and the books we read to groundbreaking inventions and iconic brand slogans, IP permeates every aspect of our lives. The four main types of IP protection include patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. For entrepreneurs, protecting IP is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Attendees will learn the basic IP differences and how to navigate the complex world of IP protection.
Researching Historical Trademarks: Utilizing HathiTrust and the USPTO (hybrid)
1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24
Zoom and 201 Davey Lab, University Park
Registration
Trademarks are distinctive symbols, words or designs that identify and differentiate goods or services in the marketplace. They serve as powerful marketing tools and provide legal protection for businesses. The history of trademarks in the United States offers valuable insights into the nation’s commercial development and the growing importance of brand identity. This session will explore the history of U.S. trademarks and an overview of effective methods for researching historical trademarks. Attendees will learn how to leverage resources such as HathiTrust and the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Search System to uncover historical trademarks.
Introduction to Patent Searching (hybrid)
1 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, Zoom and 201 Davey Lab, University Park
Registration (Google Form)
Have an idea and want to see what your patent options are? Not sure what a patent even is? This workshop is a great starting point! Attendees will learn all about the world of patents. This workshop how to get started with searching for patents, along with resources and an introduction to the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Center.
The Final Problem: An Open Forum on Generative AI (virtual)
Noon, Tuesday, Apr. 14
Zoom registration
No investigation is complete without debate and collaboration. This open forum serves as the semester’s culminating AI session where participants share observations, lessons learned and lingering questions about generative AI. Like Holmes and Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls, we will confront pressing challenges head-on — while mapping out new directions for AI use in our community.
Predatory Publishing (virtual)
1 p.m. Wednesday, Apr. 15
Registration link forthcoming
Attendees will learn skills to aide in their scholarly communication journeys, including what predatory publishing is, how to determine the authenticity of a journal, and ethical publishing practices.
For questions or more information, email STEM Librarian Elliott Rose at cre5314@psu.edu.