Workshop 1.4 | Roadmapping Collaboration: Research Libraries and GLAM Institutions as Partners in Citizen Science
Date: Wednesday 2 July 2025
Room: TBA
Speaker(s): TBA
Organised by the LIBER Citizen Science Working Group
This workshop focuses on fostering collaboration between research libraries and GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums) institutions in organizing and implementing citizen science projects. The session emphasizes the unique roles and resources research libraries bring to these partnerships—such as access to scholarly research, data curation expertise, and engagement with academic communities—while integrating the public-oriented strengths of GLAM institutions. By leveraging a roadmapping approach, the workshop offers participants a structured yet flexible framework for designing impactful, cross-institutional citizen science initiatives. The roadmapping activity ensures active engagement, as participants co-develop practical strategies tailored to their unique contexts.
The workshop begins with a 30-minute theoretical segment, presenting examples of successful collaborations between research libraries and GLAM institutions in citizen science. This segment provides participants with foundational knowledge and practical insights to inform the hands-on activity.
In the interactive portion which will last 60 minutes, participants will form four groups, each focusing on one type of GLAM institution (galleries, libraries, archives, or museums). Each group will work collaboratively to develop a roadmap for establishing a partnership between research libraries and their assigned GLAM institution. The roadmap will cover the following key components:
- Identifying opportunities and challenges: Recognizing mutual strengths, potential obstacles, and societal needs the collaboration can address.
- Establishing dialogue: Outlining strategies to initiate and sustain effective communication between research libraries and GLAM partners.
- Designing the project: Defining the key elements of the citizen science initiative, including shared goals, resources, target audiences, and potential stakeholders.
- Implementing the partnership: Mapping out how the collaboration will function in practice, from task delegation to timelines and public engagement.
- Evaluating impact: Determining criteria for measuring success, including community impact, data outcomes, and institutional benefits.
Facilitators will guide discussions and ensure groups remain focused and productive, while allowing space for creativity and tailored solutions.
Participants will leave with actionable roadmaps for initiating or enhancing collaborations between research libraries and GLAM institutions in citizen science. These roadmaps will help bridge gaps between academic and public domains, fostering partnerships that contribute to societal challenges. The workshop’s emphasis on practical application ensures long-term value for both participants and their institutions.