Academic Libraries and Public Engagement With Science and Technology

Academic Libraries and Public Engagement With Science and Technology
Author: Eileen Harrington
Publisher: Chandos Publishing
Total Pages: 212
Release: 2019-03-28
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0081021240

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.

Science and Global Challenges of the 21st Century - Science and Technology

Science and Global Challenges of the 21st Century - Science and Technology
Author: Alvaro Rocha
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 1146
Release: 2021-10-13
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3030894770

This book comprises the proceedings of the International Perm Forum “Science and Global Challenges of the 21st Century” held on October 18th – 23rd, 2021, at Perm State University, Perm, Russia. Global challenges, which determine the main trends in the development of social and economic life in the XXI century, require the integration of specialists in various fields of knowledge. That is why the main principle of this edition is interdisciplinarity, the formation of end-to-end innovation chains, including fundamental and applied research, and the wide application of smart innovations, networks, and information technologies. The authors seek to find synergy between technologies and such fields as computer science, geosciences, biology, linguistics, social studies, historical studies, and economics. The book is of interest to researchers seeking nontrivial solutions at the interface of sciences, digital humanities, computational linguistics, cognitive studies, machine learning, and others.

Amplifying Informal Science Learning

Amplifying Informal Science Learning
Author: Judy Diamond
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 388
Release: 2023-06-30
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1000901777

This collection explores the broad landscape of current and future out-of-school science learning environments. Written by leading experts and innovators in informal science learning, these thoughtful and critical essays examine the changing nature of informal institutions such as science museums, zoos, nature centers, planetariums, aquaria, and botanical gardens and their impact on science education. The book examines the learning opportunities and challenges created by community-based experiences including citizen science, makerspaces, science media, escape rooms, hobby groups, and gaming. Based on current practices, case studies, and research, the book focuses on four cross-cutting themes – inclusivity, digital engagement, community partnerships, and bridging formal and informal learning – to examine how people learn science informally. The book will be of interest to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) educators – both in and out of school – designers of science and experiential education programs, and those interested in building STEM learning ecosystems in their communities.

Handbook of Research on the Role of Libraries, Archives, and Museums in Achieving Civic Engagement and Social Justice in Smart Cities

Handbook of Research on the Role of Libraries, Archives, and Museums in Achieving Civic Engagement and Social Justice in Smart Cities
Author: Mohamed Taher
Publisher: Information Science Reference
Total Pages:
Release: 2021-09
Genre: Archives
ISBN: 9781799883630

"This book examines the application of tools and techniques in Libraries, Archives and Museums (LAM)'s literacy with an aim to improve skills and competency in achieving civic engagement and social justice and promoting social inclusion and civic participation"--

Academic Libraries and Public Engagement With Science and Technology

Academic Libraries and Public Engagement With Science and Technology
Author: Eileen Harrington
Publisher: Chandos Publishing
Total Pages: 214
Release: 2019-03-22
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0081021259

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

How to STEM

How to STEM
Author: Carol Smallwood
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 300
Release: 2013-12-05
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 081089274X

During the past few years, groups like the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Center for Education have been placing great emphasis on the significance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. In brief, the US is seen as falling behind the rest of the world in science and technology education. In response, the curricula have been revised in many educational institutions and school districts across the country. It is clear that for STEM to be successful, other community organizations, most particularly libraries, need to be closely involved in the process. Library staff realize the importance of getting involved in STEM education, but many have difficulty finding comprehensive information that will help them plan and successfully implement STEM direction in their organization. This book is designed to meet that need. It is timely and relevant. How to STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education in Libraries is by and for libraries who are involved in contributing efforts into advancing these subjects. It is organized in 9 parts including funding, grant writing, community partnerships, outreach, research, and examples of specific programming activities. Authors are drawn from the professional staffs of educational institutions, libraries, and non-profit organizations such as science museums. The book contains eight parts, each emphasizing a different aspect of how to succeed with STEM. Part 1 emphasizes how hands-on activities that are both fun and educational can be used to further STEM awareness. Parts 2 and 3 contain chapters on the uniting of STEM with Information Literacy. Innovative collection development ideas are discussed in Part 4 and Part 5 focuses on research and publishing. Outreach is the theme of Part 6 and the programs described in these chapters offer an array of ways to connect with students of all ages. The final section of How to STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education in Libraries addresses the funding of these programs. Librarians of all types will be pleased to discover easy-to-implement suggestions for collaborative efforts, many rich and diverse programming ideas, strategies for improving reference services and library instruction to speakers of English as a second language, marketing and promotional tips designed to welcome multicultural patrons into the library, and much more.

Handbook of Research on Digital Devices for Inclusivity and Engagement in Libraries

Handbook of Research on Digital Devices for Inclusivity and Engagement in Libraries
Author: Adeyinka Tella
Publisher: Information Science Publishing
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2019-07-05
Genre: Academic libraries
ISBN: 9781522590347

"This book examines the development and transforming effects of information and communication technology on the use of interactive digital devices in libraries. It also explores how digital devices can be used for inclusivity and engagement in libraries"--

Public Engagement and Social Science

Public Engagement and Social Science
Author: Stella Maile
Publisher: Policy Press
Total Pages: 266
Release: 2014
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1447306864

Drawing on social science conversations at a lively café in Bristol, this highly original book explores the value of public engagement in a wider social science context. The chapters range from themes such as the dialogic character of the social sciences, pragmatism in responses, and the underpinnings of managerial approaches to the restructuring of higher education. The first part reflects upon the different social and political inflections of public engagement. It is followed by chapters based upon talks at the café that were concerned with public engagement and the contribution of social science to a reflexive understanding of the dilemmas and practices of daily life. Together, the contributors offer a refreshing look at the role of social science in the societies it examines.--