Citizen science is happening all around you! Citizen scientists in your community are participating in bird and butterfly counts, contributing to Alzheimer’s research, monitoring air quality, and collecting genetic information–all furthering and advancing our greater scientific knowledge. Citizen science is an amazing way to participate in research efforts, and it can often be done from a mobile device, from one’s home, or from a library.

Libraries are ideal partners for citizen scientists! In this class, participants can expect to learn how to support citizen science in their communities and ways that libraries can easily participate. Participants will learn about citizen science library program models, free National Library of Medicine resources to incorporate into citizen science library programs, and sources of funding to explore for buying testing kits or supporting community research efforts. Citizen science library programs are perfect for all ages, and all types of libraries. No prior scientific knowledge is required, simply a willingness to participate!

Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the different aspects of citizen science
• Share specific examples of health‐related citizen science projects
• Discuss some of the challenges with citizen science
• Explain ways librarians & libraries can get involved with citizen science
• Identify citizen science resources and funding opportunities

About the Presenter:
Tess Wilson is the Community Engagement Coordinator for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Middle Atlantic Region. She currently serves as the YALSA Blog Manager, presents workshops as a privacy advocate with the Library Freedom Project, and trains mentors with the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern PA. Previously, she was a Guest Editor for the Fall 2018 issue of YALS , a recipient of the Freedom to Read Foundation’s Judith Krug Education Award, and a 2017 ALA Emerging Leader for United for Libraries. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Chatham University and her MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh.

This program is sponsored by the RRLC Library Assistants Group.

Free to RRLC & ESLN Members. This will be held on Zoom Webinar; registration is required.

All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance for one hour and 30 minutes of CE credit.

Register @ RRLC