Introduction
Librarians who contribute or participate in a Citizen Science (CS) project should have several skills and competencies. The main proficiencies include finding, organizing and managing information, good communication skills, digital literacy, and knowledge about the nearby science and research institutions.
But why should a librarian participate in CS projects? It is one way to develop a more broad-minded thinking and to deliver scientific research outcomes to the public, thus improving the livelihood, raising the involvement and education of the people.
Here you will find the fundamental knowledge you need to take part in a citizen science project. A portion of the skills and knowledge you need will be explained in this module but some of it is discussed in more detail in other modules.
The following training material lists the skills that a librarian should have when participating in a CS project:
- as a mediator between citizens and researchers and as a facilitator of the project;
- as the initiator and designer of the project.
Where possible, it suggests how to acquire those proficiencies if they need developing.
This module is structured according to the two roles but these roles may by mixed and completely other roles can emerge.
However, the roles listed here cover the main areas of participation and are a good way to get thinking how you as a librarian would like to position yourself in the exciting world of CS. You will learn about the skills that will be useful when participating in CS project in any way. To make learning more structured, we have set the following outcomes for you:
- Discover the different roles that you can have in a CS project
- Learn about the skills that each role requires
- Compare your skills to the requirements that you have learned about, and assess your and your organization’s needs in terms of participating in CS projects