The Mozilla Festival, affectionately known as MozFest, is hosted by the Mozilla Foundation and harnesses the collective power of unexpected partnerships - from analogue artists and public interest technologists to policymakers and queer activists - to creatively disrupt the status quo and reframe and reimagine our online world.​ This year Libraries Connected was able to offer a number of bursaries for public librarians to attend. Attendees have been busy telling us about how their MozFest 2021 experiences developed their understanding of topics from AI to Neurodiversity and more. Click the links below to find out more about what they have taken from the event back to their library services.

Networking and Connecting 

The view from a newbie - Emily Parker from Bath & North East Somerset Council Library and information services finds a community keen to welcome the views and knowledge of people outside the tech field.

Networking and neurodiversity - Basia Godel, Library Assistant Harrogate Library & Customer Services Centre, explains how MozFest 2021 heightened her ability to connect in an inclusive way.

Navigating the Digital Space

Fighting misinformation with Project Immerse - Hayley Walker, Learning, Inclusion and Service Development Manager for Blackburn with Darwen library service, explains how MozFest 2021's deep fake virtual experience has helped her better understand how to spot misinformation.
 

Understanding digital rights on social media - Josh Clarke, Library Assistant with Sefton Libraries, explains how MozFest 2021 made him reconsider how information posted to social media platforms is controlled and filtered.

The hidden dangers of algorithms - Karen Jowitt, Senior Library Assistant with Oldham Libraries, explains how MozFest 2021 informed her about the hidden biases within the algorithms we use in our daily lives.

Machine Learning and AI

Learning to be thankful with the Gratitude Machine - Mark Kirby, Community Librarian (West) for Leeds Libraries, explains how The Gratitude Machine session at MozFest 2021 provided him with an entry into machine learning.

Using technology as a storytelling tool - Simon Alexander, Library Assistant with Vale of Glamorgan Council describes how MozFest 2021 has inspired him to consider the relationship between storytelling, AI and digital culture.

Coding

Designing adventure games and thinking sustainably - Tiffany Lomas, Digital Media Assistant for Coventry Libraries, describes the range of coding activities on offer at MozFest 2021.

Painting with code - Rachel Perry, Library Services Coordinator with Coventry Libraries, tells us how MozFest 2021 taught her to paint in code and use Google Earth as a storytelling device.

Becoming a student again with MIT App Inventor - Code Club leader Tilly Boscott describes the thrill of becoming a pupil once again thanks to MozFest 2021's 'Building Apps with MIT App Inventor' session.