iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

knology.org @knology.org · 30/09/2026

This year’s #ClimateWeek proceedings in NYC were all about finding ways to implement climate solutions. That goal is at the heart of our environmental research. Through our work, we’ve advanced a number of strategies for speeding up the process by which scientific knowledge becomes climate action.

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knology.org @knology.org · 28/09/2026

ATTN: Libraries! Looking for ways to counter censorship challenges and protect the right to read? Our evaluation of the @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social's “Law for Libraries” (L4L) project points to a number of best practices for promoting the cause of intellectual freedom—including:

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knology.org @knology.org · 23/09/2026

Hospitals can be chaotic and difficult places for patients, as they move between appointments, process high volumes of information, and recover from physical and mental exhaustion. What role can digital art platforms play in reducing stress, promoting calmness and agency, and improving outcomes?

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knology.org @knology.org · 15/09/2026

“Our work has never been more important than it is now.” Powered by that simple refrain, in 2025, we fought harder. By strengthening our resolve and our partnerships, we discovered new and better ways to help organizations address critical problems, maximize their impacts, and build new capacities.

An image of a puzzle consisting of 4 pieces. On the top left, a green puzzle piece with the word "Knology" written on it is is being fitted into the 3 other pieces. These other pieces also have accompanying text. On the top right, a blue colored piece reads "Maximizing Impacts: Filling gaps in children's learning; Reducing barriers to access." On the bottom right, a purple piece reads "Building Capacities: Building programs with system-impacted people and communities; Improving support for bereaved children and families." And on the bottom left, an orange piece reads "Solving Problems: Strategies and practices for improving organizational trust; Steps to building more equitable communities."

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knology.org @knology.org · 08/09/2026

Hospital-based learning programs can be transformative for children whose illnesses require prolonged absence from school. Through our ongoing evaluation of @childrensnational.bsky.social's “Science Journeys” initiative, we’ve found that these programs are most effective when hospitals:

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knology.org @knology.org · 31/08/2026

Organizations working for the public good play a vital role in advancing our individual and collective welfare. The resources and support they provide can be a lifeline to people whose worlds have been turned upside down.

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knology.org @knology.org · 25/08/2026

If you’re part of an organization working for social change, chances are, you’re all too familiar with this basic fact of life: things are rarely as straightforward as they seem.

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knology.org @knology.org · 18/08/2026

If you work with youth and have ever participated in a program evaluation, chances are, you've heard (or even uttered) some version of the following statement: "If your findings don't reflect what kids themselves are feeling and thinking, then how valid are they?"

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knology.org @knology.org · 11/08/2026

What’s the experience of listening to a podcast like? What kinds of mental processes do people go through while listening to an episode of one of their favorite podcasts? Podcast listening tends to be a solitary experience, which makes it hard to answer these questions.

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knology.org @knology.org · 04/08/2026

Video journals can be a great source of evaluation data. In our evaluation of the Museum of Discovery and Science’s Eco Explorers program, we’ve been asking participants to respond to monthly prompts in short, self-recorded videos.

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knology.org @knology.org · 31/07/2026

Working with the ALA on so many different projects over the years has been an honor and a privilege. As the association celebrates its 150th anniversary, we wanted to take a moment to share some recent examples of how its work is making a positive impact on people’s lives all across the country.

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knology.org @knology.org · 01/07/2026

Organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for “critical friends” — that is, trusted outsiders who catalyze progress toward project goals through a combination of honest feedback and unwavering support.

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knology.org @knology.org · 30/06/2026

Community conversations are a great tool for aligning programs with older adults' wants and needs. In a new study, we found that conversations with members of this demographic can support the creation of age-friendly communities. Among other things, they help libraries:

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knology.org @knology.org · 09/06/2026

Building an AI policy requires an understanding of the many risks associated with AI-enabled tools. Consider AI notetakers. In addition to misunderstanding the gist of a conversation or recording decisions that are later changed, these tools present risks tied to data security and work quality.

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knology.org @knology.org · 02/06/2026

In recent months, we’ve been studying a variety of AI tools, asking how these might support our research. Again and again, we’ve come back to questions of trust. Our findings so far indicate that LLMs struggle with several key contributors to trustworthiness—including:

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knology.org @knology.org · 29/05/2026

Embedded data offers exciting opportunities for program evaluation. In our work, we’ve found that the embedded approach to evaluation is highly beneficial.

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knology.org @knology.org · 04/05/2026

Assistive technologies can free people from situations of “forced intimacy” — that is, having to disclose information about yourself in order to receive accommodation for a disability.

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knology.org @knology.org · 30/04/2026

In recent months, Knology staff have been studying different AI tools. As we learn from our experiences, we’ve developed a process for evaluating these tools, so we can document benefits and drawbacks, identify and investigate problem areas, and set standards that reflect our core values.

mailchi.mp

Social Science You Can Use: Doing Research in the Age of AI

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knology.org @knology.org · 16/04/2026

If you’re in San Diego for next week’s #Interactivity conference, come check us out! On Wednesday, April 22 (3:45-5pm), Knology CEO Joanna Laursen Brucker will be part of a panel on ways children’s museums can assess character virtues like curiosity, empathy, compassion, teamwork, and courage.

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knology.org @knology.org · 31/03/2026

Libraries are at the forefront of efforts to tackle ageism and ableism. Working with them, we’re learning more and more about what makes these efforts effective. Three key steps are:

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knology.org @knology.org · 25/03/2026

In recent years, programming for adults aged 65 and over has become a distinct type of library service. But little is known about the impacts of these programs—or what makes them effective.

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knology.org @knology.org · 23/03/2026

A single grant can go a long way toward building more accessible communities. We found abundant evidence of this in a recent study of libraries awarded funding through the @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social's "Libraries Transforming Communities" program.

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knology.org @knology.org · 20/03/2026

ATTN: libraries! Looking for practical, research-backed guidance on ways to facilitate public conversation around divisive issues? Check out the new guide and eCourse from @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social!

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knology.org @knology.org · 06/03/2026

Evaluation is a form of community building. Our latest newsletter highlights 3 ways evaluators help organizations build community relationships: 1) Bringing community members to the table 2) Broadening the range of voices that contribute to a project 3) Promoting deeper organizational engagement

An image titled "Evaluation as a Path to Community Building," that includes 3 separate pictures, each with the text. A picture on the left side of the image reads, "Bringing Community Members to the Table," and displays 4 individuals sitting around a table. The center picture is called "Broadening the Range of Voices that Contribute to a Project," and features individuals sharing thoughts and comments through text messages, social media engagement, and conversation. The picture on the right is called "Promoting Deeper Organizational Engagement," and shows 4 people sitting in chairs while conversing.

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knology.org @knology.org · 18/02/2026

Do you have experience coordinating research projects and managing the logistical side of the research process? Do you have the skills needed to ensure that project teams stay on track with deliverables? We’re seeking a research coordinator. To learn more, see below: knology.org/job/research...

knology.org

Research Coordinator

## Job Description Knology is seeking a Research Coordinator to join our diverse team of research social scientists, journalists, and educators. The ideal candidate for this position has 1–2 years of...

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knology.org @knology.org · 06/02/2026

So happy to be working w/ @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social on the Aging Together project -- a nationwide evaluation of library programming for older adults. The project is supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation, and includes a team of 29 advisors. Click below for more: www.ala.org/news/2026/01...

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knology.org @knology.org · 30/01/2026

Our latest newsletter is live! Check it out for some reflections on Knology’s past, present, and future — courtesy of newly appointed CEO Joanna Laursen Brucker. mailchi.mp/knology/soci...

mailchi.mp

Social Science You Can Use: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

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knology.org @knology.org · 07/01/2026

We’re incredibly thrilled to announce that Joanna Laursen Brucker has been appointed as Knology’s new CEO!

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knology.org @knology.org · 16/12/2025

Benevolence is key to maintaining leader-staff trust in times of workplace conflict. In new research, we found that staff generally rate their employers lower on benevolence than other measures of organizational trust — even when leaders are taking productive steps to resolve disputes.

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knology.org @knology.org · 10/12/2025

Workplace disputes often damage leader-staff trust. In new research, we found that by demonstrating affinity, competence, reliability, sincerity, integrity, and benevolence, leaders can head off or resolve these disputes in ways that maintain, build, and/or repair employee trust.

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knology.org @knology.org · 26/11/2025

“Healing with Play” is helping children’s museums discover new ways to support bereaved families. Launched by the Association of Children’s Museums in collaboration with the New York Life Foundation, its goal is to identify effective ways to support children grieving the death of a loved one.

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knology.org @knology.org · 24/11/2025

Every November, the Children’s Museum of Fond Du Lac hosts a special event in observance of Children’s Grief Awareness Month. Called “Super Saturday,” the event consists of a variety of fun activities aimed at helping children discover strengths and skills for coping with loss.

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knology.org @knology.org · 21/11/2025

Benevolence is often the missing link in organizational trust-building efforts. As more and more evidence of benevolence’s role in improving trustworthiness comes to light, we wanted to share some specific findings on this point.

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knology.org @knology.org · 20/11/2025

The Providence Children’s Museum is committed to offering children and families tools for navigating loss in all its varied forms. A key goal of their efforts, explains Director of Education Andrew Leveillee, is to “build the capacity for resilience before families need it.”

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knology.org @knology.org · 17/11/2025

In November 2024, the Children’s Museum of Memphis hosted a “Day of Resilience.” Supported by the New York Life Foundation, the event featured a range of activities aimed at helping children learn how to name, describe, and communicate difficult feelings—especially those associated with loss.

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knology.org @knology.org · 12/11/2025

In 2024, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum launched a new exhibit designed to help children navigate feelings related to bereavement and other types of loss. It's called "Weathering Emotions." Click below to learn about their experiences hosting it! childrensmuseums.org/grief/casest...

childrensmuseums.org

Healing With Play Resources Case Studies - Association of Children's Museums

As part of their contributing work to the Healing with Play initiatives, our project team museums participated in a series of case studies, authored by Knology, dedicated to exploring the different wa...

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knology.org @knology.org · 04/11/2025

Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of literature reviews for improving programs, services, and decision-making processes. Conducting these reviews offers an opportunity to take advantage of best practices, establish strategies for measuring impact, and find new pathways to change.

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knology.org @knology.org · 31/10/2025

1 in 11 US children will lose either a parent or a sibling by the time they turn 18. Through an initiative called “Healing with Play,” the Association of Children’s Museums and the New York Life Foundation are helping make bereavement care a community responsibility. childrensmuseums.org/grief/

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knology.org @knology.org · 23/10/2025

Trust is a critical component of organizational success, but unfortunately, it’s in short supply these days.

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knology.org @knology.org · 17/10/2025

By running programs that are both for and led by the community, the Jarrell Community Library & Resource Center is ensuring that its accessibility efforts directly respond to local needs.

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knology.org @knology.org · 08/10/2025

ATTN: libraries! Looking for ideas on how to make your spaces, programs, and services more accessible to patrons with disabilities?

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knology.org @knology.org · 01/10/2025

Our latest newsletter is live! Check it out for some insights into what makes the literature review such a powerful vehicle for improving practices and deepening impacts.

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knology.org @knology.org · 30/09/2025

Are you a mid-to-senior level research and evaluation professional with expertise in informal STEM education or lifelong learning? Do you have a track record of success developing proposals and receiving research and/or evaluation funding from non-federal granting agencies?

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knology.org @knology.org · 29/09/2025

Evaluations are often designed to serve funder needs and priorities. But to be effective for organizations, evaluations should yield data that helps them improve a given program, curriculum, or intervention.

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knology.org @knology.org · 24/09/2025

Are you a recent or current undergraduate / graduate student who has coding and graphic design skills? Do you have experience creating figures, graphics, and other kinds of data visuals for social science analysis?

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knology.org @knology.org · 23/09/2025

Last week, Knology's founding president and CEO Dr. John Fraser was honored with the Devra Kleiman Scientific Advancement Award -- one of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' highest recognitions! Congrats Johnny! We couldn't be prouder!

Photos of Dr. John Fraser being presented the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' (AZA) "Devra Kleiman Scientific Advancement Award" at the 2025 AZA annual conference.

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knology.org @knology.org · 15/09/2025

Research and evaluation are generally said to be very different things. But they often inform each other. Bringing research and evaluation into dialogue with each other can support the creation of new social science frameworks — along with better ways to meet the needs of multiple communities.

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knology.org @knology.org · 02/09/2025

Organizational success requires innovation, but doing this isn’t always easy. Through research, evaluation, and capacity-building support, we strive to help organizations innovate in the face of unexpected changes and challenges.

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knology.org @knology.org · 15/08/2025

Building organizational trust requires leaders and staff to see each other as both thinking and feeling creatures. This can be a difficult thing to do, because when we judge someone to be highly competent, we tend to assume that they lack warmth (a phenomenon scholars call “moral typecasting”).

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knology.org @knology.org · 01/08/2025

Organizational self-reflection can be a powerful practice. It helps organizations reinvigorate their missions, build cohesion around a shared vision, and discover creative ways to promote long-term sustainability in the face of current and future uncertainties.

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