Academic Libraries and Public Engagement With Science and Technology

1. Introduction; Background on the status of science literacy in U.S. - why it is important
History of libraries as community gathering space/informal education
Review of science of science communication literature and parallels in libraries
Role of informal science education in fostering science literacy
Overview of the book

2. Makerspaces/Innovation Studios
What they are/what might find in them
Best practices
Case studies that include how using them to foster engagement with STEM

3. Citizen Science
What citizen science is
Challenges/Opportunities in Libraries
Best practices
Case studies of how libraries are incorporating citizen science programs (NC State, Virginia Tech, librarians in academic libraries in California)

4. Data Visualization Labs and Communities of Practice
What a data visualization lab is
Ways data visualization labs can promote engagement with science and create communities of practice
Case studies of libraries that have data visualization labs (NC State, we are looking to have one here at The Universities at Shady Grove)

5. Instruction/Workshops
Coding Programs in public libraries and academic libraries
Data and visual literacy workshops
Teaching software tools that people can use to interpret data and make own meaning from it, such as GIS tools, infographic software
Robotics workshops in public libraries

6. Cultural events
Exhibits - best practices
Author talks
panel discussions
Case studies

7. Collections/Information Management
Digital repositories for data - how they can help share science
Online databases (e.g. Encyclopedia of Life; Biodiversity Heritage Library)
Open Source journals/publishing and libraries’ role in this
Circulation of new items—science kits, binoculars, sampling tools, etc

Libraries have historically played a role as a community builder, providing resources and spaces where knowledge can be archived, shared and created. They can also play a pivotal role in fostering the public’s understanding of science and scientific processes. From makerspaces to data visualization labs to exhibits, many libraries already delve into scientific explorations and many more could join them. Scientists often need to include "broader impacts" goals in grant proposals, but they might not know where to begin or feel that they do not have the time to devote to public engagement. This is where libraries and librarians can help.

Research in science communication also supports tapping into libraries for public engagement with science. Studies show that it is important for scientists to present findings in an apolitical way—not aligning with one solution or one way of thinking and not being seen as an activist (Druckman, 2015; Jamieson & Hardy, 2014). One of the core tenets of librarians and libraries is to present information in a neutral way. Research also shows that Informal conversations about science can have a greater effect on people than reading about it online or hearing about it on the news (Eveland & Cooper, 2013). Again, libraries can play a role in fostering these types of conversations.

Given this landscape, this book will demonstrate concrete ways that libraries and librarians can play a role in fostering public engagement with science. In addition to background information on the current landscape of public knowledge and understanding of science, it will also include best practices and case studies of different types of programming and services that libraries can offer. Often libraries do not jump to mind when people think about science education or science literacy, and many librarians do not come from a science background. Literature on science programming and sharing science is largely absent from the library field. This book will help give confidence to librarians that they can participate in engaging the public with science. At the same time, it will provide a conduit to bring informal science educators, communication officers from universities or research organizations who share scientific discoveries with the public, and librarians together to explore ways to align their work to promote scientific literacy for all.

• Demonstrates concrete ways that libraries and librarians can play a role in fostering public engagement with science
• Features best practices and case studies of different types of programming and services that libraries can offer
• Provides a conduit to bring informal science educators, communication officers, and librarians together to explore ways to align their work to promote scientific literacy

Librarians and library staff from public, academic and special libraries (museum libraries, libraries in science-related government agencies)