SSA Virtual Webinar: Basic Data Cleanup with OpenRefine

Title: Basic Data Cleanup with OpenRefine

Presenter: Courtney Rookard, Xavier University of Louisiana

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Time: 10:00am CST

Duration Length: 90 minutes with a 15-minute break and Q&A portion.

Description: OpenRefine is an essential tool for bulk data cleanup at all stages. The open-source program is simple to install, runs on a web browser, and has valuable functions straight out of the box. This presentation is an introduction to basic cleanup functions. Courtney Rookard, processing archivist at Xavier University of Louisiana, will demonstrate how she utilized OpenRefine to reconcile accession record data in preparation for import into a new archival database. She will highlight some of the basic functions of OpenRefine, including text faceting, text filtering, clustering, column editing, and row editing, as well as recommended first steps when starting a new project and exporting the cleaned data. Additional resources for basic and advanced OpenRefine functions will also be provided. No prerequisite knowledge or technical requirements are needed for this demonstration.

This program is sponsored by the Society of Southwest Archivists Professional Development Committee.

For questions or if you encounter any registration difficulties, please contact pdc@southwestarchivists.org.

Note: Zoom link will be provided via email two days before the event.