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Lightning Talk

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Lightning Talk Title:

A citizen and a scientist: a “how to” on creating a collaborative Citizen Science Corner

Presenters:
Louise Meure, Madeleine Ashton
Date:
Tuesday 12 May | 11:30am – 12:00pm 

Lightning Talk Description:

Citizen Science is motivated by the idea that any person can get involved in science and be a part of real scientific research. In public libraries, the critical focus is not on creating scientific content as much as it is on creating access. It is about providing opportunities for all members of our communities to connect with science. There are a growing number of Citizen Science projects being established across Australia and worldwide. Citizen Science projects often centre around community members making scientific observations of the natural world in their local communities and then sharing that knowledge to contribute to broader understanding. Citizen Science Corners provide a space to showcase local and international projects and to engage our communities in these projects.
At Bayside Libraries, we are creating a Citizen Science Corner in our Beaumaris Library. Our local marine sanctuaries and nature reserves stimulate interest, and our community has shown enthusiastic engagement in science-based programming connected to our local environment. Inspired by our community, the initial project to be featured in the Bayside Citizen Science Corner features ‘Exploring Biodiversity’. The biodiversity project utilises iNaturalist, a global platform for observing, identifying and documenting plants and animals, to engage participants with our local environment. In the future we intend to incorporate additional projects into the space and hope to collaborate with local Citizen Science projects and scientific experts, particularly those connected with Port Phillip Bay and of direct relevance to our communities in south-east Melbourne.
Alongside a focus on biodiversity, we are incorporating a focus on First Knowledges into our Citizen Science Corner. Whilst the project featured will evolve over time, we are maintaining a permanent display of Indigenous science seeking to incorporate First Knowledges in a respectful and ongoing capacity. The space includes a variety of resources featuring First Knowledges in areas such as environmental management, seasons, plants and animals, bush foods, astronomy and tools. At the launch for our Citizen Science Corner, we recognise this dual focus through an event celebrating both biodiversity and First Nations science. We are inviting the community to explore our local environment, learn about biodiversity as well as Indigenous knowledge of plants and animals, whilst also gaining an understanding of how they can contribute to scientific discoveries.
At Bayside Libraries, we have created an interactive Citizen Science Corner through the inclusion of science in a variety of formats: books, posters, information cards, loanable kits, activity guides, a puzzle and a biodiversity diorama. To improve accessibility, we have also included a tablet in the Citizen Science Corner for demonstrating use of the applications used to participate in the project and to share findings. Citizen Science is a collaborative initiative by nature. We seek to engage members of our community and reach out to schools, seniors and community groups to join the projects. Citizen Science has the potential to create connections with all age groups, diversify programming and promote our library collections through expansion of what is on offer in public libraries.

 

Louise Meure

Information Services Librarian, Bayside Libraries

Presenter Bio

Louise has been working at Bayside Libraries for the last three years and is currently one of the Information Services Librarians based in Beaumaris Library. Louise has a background in scientific research, having previously completed a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of New South Wales. Working on Citizen Science has been a wonderful culmination of Louise’s passion for public libraries and eagerness to make science accessible, advocating for sharing science in fun and relatable ways to connect with the broader community. Louise has prior experience presenting poster and oral presentations at conferences both within Australia and internationally in the fields of science and engineering.

Madeleine Ashton

Children and Youth Services Librarian, Bayside Libraries

Presenter Bio

Madeleine is a passionate Children and Youth Services Librarian at Bayside Council with a keen interest in advocating for STEAM programming and lifelong learning. With experience in Children’s entertainment and a brief stint in education as a learning support officer she values the connection between education, engagement and a splash of entertainment to encourage learning at all stages of life. In her short time at Council she has introduced regular after-school STEAM programming and is looking forward to creating an ongoing program with inter-generational appeal which can be embedded into existing programming and outreach opportunities. Madeleine regularly presents community programming ranging from Storytime to MCing Comic-con style events, she has also performed presentations at Staff Development Days for multiple Councils.