Keep the Momentum Going: Citizen Science Programming Throughout the Year
October 20, 2020
2:00PM - 3:00PM MST
Citizen science is public engagement in real research. Anyone can do citizen science by collecting data, conducting scientific analysis, and more for projects spanning different scientific disciplines, from health to astronomy to the environment. SciStarter, a globally acclaimed, online citizen science hub where more than 3,000 projects, events, and tools — searchable by location, topic, age level, and more — is a great place for libraries of all types to go to find citizen science projects that are perfect for their communities. But once up and running, how does a library keep interest high and participants engaged?
This webinar will focus on sustaining engagement and keeping the momentum going after introducing citizen science to a library and CBO, including follow-up program ideas and best practices for ongoing volunteer engagement in citizen science. No experience required to attend this webinar; we'll give a brief introduction at the beginning to citizen science and past work with libraries and CBOs — before jumping into ideas for keeping the momentum going! Register Here
APPLY NOW - Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries
ALA has announced plans to award nearly $2 million to small and rural libraries in 2020 and 2021 to help them address issues of concern in their communities.
Through Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, up to 650 U.S. libraries in small and rural communities will receive $3,000 to tackle issues ranging from media literacy to COVID-19 safety to unemployment. The initiative is part of ALA’s longtime commitment to preparing library workers for the expanding role of libraries.
“2020 has laid bare many of the issues that small and rural communities have long struggled with, from isolation due to a struggling Postal Service to inequalities in the broadband access that is vital for remote learning,” said ALA President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr. “With its core values of access, education, social responsibility and the public good, the library field is uniquely situated to lead local change in this time of crisis, and ALA is proud and excited to offer the funding for them to do so.”
Library workers may apply online for grant funding from September 21 to December 2, 2020, at ala.org/LTC. Up to 650 grants will be distributed over two funding rounds. Read the full project guidelines.
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Tuesday, November 17, 2020
2:00-3:00pm ET
Join author Dr. Bill Sullivan, professor of pharmacology and microbiology at the Indiana University School of Medicine, as he discusses his book: Pleased to Meet Me: Genes, Germs, and the Curious Forces That Make Us Who We Are.
We hope you will join us for this important conversation which will be livestreamed on YouTube. The event will also be livestreamed on NNLM PNR's Facebook Page. Learn more about the event here.
NIH News in Health - October Issue
The October 2020 issue of NIH News in Health, the monthly newsletter bringing you practical health news and tips based on the latest NIH research is now available. Download a PDF version for printing.
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CHIS Spotlight: Ashley Stewart
Position: Library Director
Institution: Caseyville Public Library District
Please share a few sentences about your position and what you do.
I am the Library Director of the Caseyville Public Library District in the Metro East area of Illinois. Our service population is 4,772 and we have 3 full time librarians (including myself) and one part-time co-op student from the local high school.
Why did you want to receive Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS)?
I wanted to increase my knowledge about the health needs of my community and be able to provide greater access to quality resources and materials.
How have you used what you learned in NNLM CHIS courses in your work?
Since taking the NNLM CHIS course, our library has incorporated health and wellness into our programming and collections. Here is a list of our efforts:
- Health & Resource Fair
- Blood Drive
- Collaborated with our local State Representative and the IL Dept of Public Health for a Wellness on Wheels event that provided free health screenings at the library.
- The Library partners with local agencies and schedule visits with the local retirement community, nursing and rehab facility, and the local substance abuse treatment facility.
- A Medicare counselor is available at the library during open enrollment
- Collaborated with our local State Representative to collect feminine hygiene products to keep in our restrooms.
- Our Friends group collects hygiene products and have created hygiene kits for the homeless population.
- Updated our collections with health and wellness materials: Reference materials, fiction, nonfiction, training guides, health kits, and equipment.
- We created a designated computer station for individuals that have visual impairments and have magnifiers and projectors available for use.
- My staff is now CPR/AED/First Aid certified
- My staff have attended Mental Health and Autism trainings
Why do you feel providing health information is important to your work/community?
I believe that a healthy community is a happy community. Additionally, improved health can lead to increased productivity and success. It is my responsibility to ensure my patrons have access to quality health information through resources, materials, and programs.
Any tips or advice you have for someone interested in taking classes to achieve CHIS?
I am so very fortunate to be a CHIS recipient. This certification has allowed me to view library materials and services through a new lens. The CHIS course provides all of the tools to increase your knowledge of the health needs in your own communities, where to find reliable health information, in addition to funding opportunities and partnerships. Because of my CHIS certification, I understand and appreciate the library's impact on the health and wellness of my community.
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