Samantha Becker

Principal Research Scientist, University of Washington

Samantha Becker

Principal Research Scientist, University of Washington

Biography

Samantha Becker is the Principal Research Scientist of the U.S. Impact Study, a research group at the University of Washington Information School that focuses on public libraries, public access technology, and digital inclusion barriers and policy. Much of her work is aimed at helping libraries leverage data to improve outcomes for patrons and support sustainability, including developing tailored evaluation frameworks, data gathering strategies, data analysis approaches, and putting the results to work in planning and advocacy. She was co-author of two IMLS and Gates Foundation sponsored research reports: Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries and Opportunity for All: How Library Policies and Practices Impact Public Internet Access. Sam has a background in public policy evaluation and was a public librarian in Central Vermont before taking a slight detour into the world of library research. She is particularly interested in how new adult users gain the skills necessary to use information and communication technology. She holds master’s degrees in Library and Information Science and Public Administration.

All sessions by Samantha Becker