Beyond Data Management: Exploring New Roles for Librarians in Citizen Science Projects

No matter the size or scope, it is a challenge to provide resources and support to what are often diverse citizen science volunteer communities. While librarians have tended to play roles in citizen science projects related to... [ view full abstract ]

No matter the size or scope, it is a challenge to provide resources and support to what are often diverse citizen science volunteer communities. While librarians have tended to play roles in citizen science projects related to managing data, their skills developing outreach and instructional initiatives, managing online resources, working as disciplinary liaisons, and collaborating with a broad range of faculty, staff, and patrons equip them to play new and creative roles that meet this challenge. In this poster we draw on empirical findings and a deep understanding of the volunteer communities engaged with the Zooniverse citizen science projects to provide examples of new roles librarians might take in citizen science projects that support volunteer engagement. In addition to describing each role, we also provide practical advice on how citizen science designers, developers, and scientists might reach out to and collaborate with librarians to fulfill these types of roles. The proposed poster is designed to start conversations and provide opportunities for conference attendees to collectively develop new ideas and strategies for successful collaborations with librarians in a variety of roles.

Take home message: Aside from their roles related to data management, librarians’ skills and proficiencies make them valuable collaborators for the design, development, and support of citizen science projects.