Working groups

LIBER Citizen Science Working Group

Introduction

Citizen Science, or the participation of the general public in the scientific research process, is an important element in establishing new links between science and society. There are several ongoing efforts to create a definition for citizen science or to adopt the best terminology for public engagement in research activities.

One good description of citizen science used by the European Commission is:

Citizen Science refers to the general public engagement in scientific research activities when citizens actively contribute to science either with their intellectual effort or surrounding knowledge or with their tools and resources.

The LIBER Roadmap to Open Science makes a set of four strong recommendations to European research libraries, recommendations which remains guidelines for our working group.

Citizen Science, or the participation of the general public in the scientific research process, is an important element in establishing new links between science and society. It is thus essential to implementing Open Science, can contribute to innovation tailored to the needs of society, lead to reciprocal learning and foster a scientific culture across society as a whole.

The LIBER Citizen Science WG formally began in March 2019 and held its kick-off meeting during the LIBER Annual Conference in Dublin (June 2019). As Working Groups are the primary units to conduct work on the LIBER strategy, ours will operate under the Steering Committee for the direction, Research Libraries as Engaged and Trusted Hubs, as defined in LIBER’s 2023-2027 Strategy.

Join our group

Are you passionate about Citizen Science, and how we can support research librarians in acquiring the training they need? We need your energy!

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Strategic Directions 2023-2027

In early 2023, the CS Working Group met at University College London to discuss their priorities for LIBER’s next strategic period (2023-2027). The result was three new strategic directions to replace the six priorities that governed the previous period of work.

Take a look at what the Working Group aims to achieve by 2026, below. 

Strategic Direction 1: Developing the Working Group (Community of Interest to Knowledge to Practice)

Aim: To recruit new WG members, onboard and upskill existing members, map the current CS practices of member institutions and monitor possibilities to take part in international projects.

 

Strategic Direction 2: Developing the field of Citizen Science at Research Libraries

Aim: To complete the LIBER Citizen Science for Research Libraries Guide, map existing CS competencies in researchers and librarians, create awareness and training programmes for librarians and library leaders, and design CS library services for researchers. 

Strategic Direction 3: Encourage the involvement of research libraries as an integral part of Citizen Science activities

Aim: To advocate for the recognition of the potential of research libraries to contribute to the field of citizen science, consolidate existing partnerships (SciStarter and ECSA), identify and communicate the importance of CS to university management, and explore the integration of CS into HE curriculum. 

  • Research libraries as an integral part of Citizen Science

    Strategic Direction 3: Encourage the involvement of research libraries as an integral part of Citizen Science activities

    Aim: To advocate for the recognition of the potential of research libraries to contribute to the field of citizen science, consolidate existing partnerships (SciStarter and ECSA), identify and communicate the importance of CS to university management, and explore the integration of CS into HE curriculum. 

  • Research libraries as an integral part of Citizen Science

    Strategic Direction 3: Encourage the involvement of research libraries as an integral part of Citizen Science activities

    Aim: To advocate for the recognition of the potential of research libraries to contribute to the field of citizen science, consolidate existing partnerships (SciStarter and ECSA), identify and communicate the importance of CS to university management, and explore the integration of CS into HE curriculum. 

  • Research libraries as an integral part of Citizen Science

    Strategic Direction 3: Encourage the involvement of research libraries as an integral part of Citizen Science activities

    Aim: To advocate for the recognition of the potential of research libraries to contribute to the field of citizen science, consolidate existing partnerships (SciStarter and ECSA), identify and communicate the importance of CS to university management, and explore the integration of CS into HE curriculum. 

Want to see a snapshot of what the Citizen Science Working Group get up to?

Take a look at this ‘making of’ video, produced during the ‘Hands-on Citizen Science’ workshop at the LIBER Winter Event 2022.

(Produced by Tiberius Ignat, Scientific Knowledge Services)