Program
Libraries are community anchors, promoting civic engagement, cultural opportunities, economic vitality, and lifelong learning. Science is our most reliable system of gaining new knowledge. If Citizen Science is public involvement in the inquiry and discovery of new scientific knowledge, doesn't it make sense that libraries should be aware of, if not involved in, this opportunity?
Citizen Science enables people from all walks of life — of varying ages, experiences, skill sets, and interests — to partner with professional scientists to engage in and advance real scientific research: from tracking the migratory path of a species, to measuring air pollution, to ground-truthing satellite data. There are literally thousands of projects available, and while every project may not be of interest to every person, libraries can lead the way by facilitating participation through project curation and community partnerships; lending self-contained, reliable project kits with required tools or equipment, and hosting events that build on the projects and benefit the community.
Libraries are eminently qualified and uniquely positioned to facilitate community engagement in real scientific endeavors - local and global - in conjunction with professional scientists. This panel features librarians and researchers dedicated to promoting community based Citizen Science projects in Public and Academic Libraries. Learn about the challenges, successes, and how you can get involved!
ALA Unit/Subunit: ACRL
Meeting Type: Program
Cost: Included with full conference registration.
Open/Closed: Open
Dan Stanton
Research and Engagement Librarian
Arizona State University
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Robin Salthouse
Adult Services Supervisor
Maricopa County Library District: Southeast Regional Library
Darlene Cavalier
Founder/Professor of Practice
SciStarter/Arizona State University School for the Future of Innovation in Society
Danica Lewis
Collections & Research Librarian for Life Sciences
North Carolina State University Libraries