Citizen Science at Your Library
Citizen science can open up a world of free STEAM learning opportunities for library patrons. From identifying butterflies to measuring light pollution, citizen science offers unique ways to engage every patron and allow them to contribute to the greater scientific community. With welcoming environments and equitable access to resources, libraries can serve as a central hub for citizen science in their communities!
The STAR Library Network (STAR Net) is excited to showcase impactful STEAM learning opportunities that put a focus on the Earth, such as citizen science, in 2020. With support from the National Library of Medicine and based on feedback from the Citizen Science Association’s “Citizen Science Day” working group, SciStarter and Arizona State University are pleased to announce “Citizen Science Month” (April 2020)! Tune in to this webinar to discover how you can access many free resources to help introduce, shape, or support citizen science in your library.
Ready to get involved? Check out these links.
STAR Net Resources
- Build a Rain Gauge Activity: The hands-on activity demonstrated in this webinar, Build A Rain Gauge, is not designed or meant for submitting official rain gauge measurements; this DIY rain gauge measures precipitation in volume, while official rain gauges measure precipitation in height. For more accurate measurements, use the Reading a Rain Gauge resource that can be found along with the activity.
- “Citizen Science” Clearinghouse Collection
Upcoming STAR Net Webinar
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. (ET), 3:00 p.m. (CT), 2:00 p.m. (MT), 1:00 p.m. (PT)
It’s never too early to start thinking about next summer! When designing your programming for the 2020 theme, “Imagine Your Story,” remember to look up at the night sky for inspiration. Join the STAR Net team and Luke Kralik, Organizational Coordinator for CSLP, to learn all about this year’s theme and exciting, hands-on STEAM activities that will help you bring it to life at your library. We’ll discuss programming ideas, useful resources, and tips for engaging your community!
SciStarter Resources
- Librarian’s Guide to Citizen Science
- Sign up for Citizen Science Month info
- Last year’s resources
- Join the optional, weekly “Citizen Science Month Office Hours” to share your ideas and get feedback. They’re global, so you’ll never know who will join!
- Add your event to SciStarter.
- Once you add your event, use the people finder to message SciStarter users in your area.
- Give feedback about what days you’d like featured during the month (what should we design resources around?).
- Library Resources
- Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network
National Library of Medicine Resources
The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM), a program of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), has expanded its partnership with SciStarter. In 2018, the two organizations worked collaboratively to promote Citizen Science Day in libraries, to increase awareness of citizen science in communities across the nation, and help individuals explore the impact of their environment on health. Through citizen science and crowdsourcing, NNLM can engage communities in addressing societal needs and accelerating biomedical science, technology, and innovation. Community participation in the research process also builds trust between NNLM and the communities that we serve. NNLM has partnered with the NIH All of Us Research Program to highlight citizen science as a way to increase the involvement of people living in the U.S. in scientific research as a way to reduce some of the barriers between health researchers and research and the public. Such collaborations between communities and researchers build capacity to address problems and meet research goals. The partnership also aims to foster better understanding of health data and its uses in this increasingly data-driven world. NLM provides access to a variety of resources for basic health, environmental health, and genetics that can support Citizen Science outreach efforts in your community. Locate and contact your NNLM Regional Medical Library to learn more.
National Library of Medicine Resources for Citizen Science:
