Meet your MDL: Cho Fung
Cho Fung (she/her) is a Graduate Student Library Assistant (GSLA) at the Map & Data Library (MDL). Working alongside fellow GSLAs and MDL staff, she supports library users with data discovery, data analysis, and technical software use. Cho will complete her Master of Information (MI) in Library and Information Science at the Faculty of Information this spring. Prior to her MI, she completed her undergraduate degree in History at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Learn more about Cho:
Q: What makes MDL a unique place for research support?
A: MDL is unique within the library system because it supports research across a wide range of disciplines, as long as the work engages with maps or data—quantitative, qualitative, and geospatial. Researchers can connect with MDL at any stage of their project, from early exploration to analysis and data management. MDL staff help users identify relevant maps, datasets, and data portals, as well as appropriate analysis tools, learning resources, and research data management guidance tailored to their specific needs.
Q:What's your favorite tool that’s available at MDL?
A: My favourite tool is MAXQDA, a powerful qualitative data analysis software that makes it intuitive to code, organize, and visualize qualitative data across diverse document types. Its wide range of visualization options allows researchers to quickly identify themes and patterns by transforming coded text into informative visual outputs. Its AI Assist features can also support tasks such as suggesting initial codes or summarizing text segments, and even enable users to “communicate” with their data. These functions can be helpful for brainstorming, as long as researchers remain critical and reflective when engaging with AI-generated insights.
Q: What's your approach to helping researchers navigate their complex data and research?
A: When a researcher brings a complex data question to MDL, I begin by listening carefully and asking follow-up questions to clarify their research goals, context, and constraints. This approach is rooted in the reference interview, which helps uncover users’ underlying information needs in libraries. Once the research needs get more clear, I curate a customized set of resources, often including relevant datasets, maps, or data portals, suitable analysis tools, learning guides, and brief instruction on how to use them. Beyond providing immediate support, I aim to equip researchers with the knowledge and confidence to continue navigating their data and research needs independently in the future.
If you think Cho or someone else at MDL could help you with your research, please reach out!