The missing link: the capacity development for academic librarians to sustain citizen science at university libraries
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Authors
Rammutloa, Modiehi
Issue Date
2023-11-08
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Academic librarians , Capacity development , Citizen science , Continuing professional development , Crowdsourcing , Public participation in research
Alternative Title
Abstract
Purpose – This paper reports on research into the skills and services required to ensure the sustainability of citizen science as a service in university libraries.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research design was adopted to collect data from academic librarians. A questionnaire was administered, and data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Findings – More than 90% of responses indicated that to support citizen science activities, it is important for academic librarians to acquire information literacy, data literacy and an understanding of open science. The study found that citizen science activities require a dedicated team and continuous capacity development of team members. Findings also indicated that though academic librarians do not have knowledge of citizen science, they are willing to embrace and embed it in their services and products. Capacity shortage was listed as a challenge for academic librarians to promote and support citizen science activities.
Originality/value – This study is unique as it reports on the possible involvement of academic librarians in the field of citizen science. The link between academic librarians and the field of citizen science which is predominant in the natural sciences has a positive contribution to the body of scholarship as it promotes interdisciplinarity.
Description
Citation
Rammutloa, M.W., 2023. The missing link: the capacity development for academic librarians to sustain citizen science at university libraries. Library Management, 44(6/7), pp.437-447.
Publisher
Emerald Publishing Limited
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
0143-5124