Science Libraries Promoting Science Julia Gelfand, UCI STELLA, January

Expanding Library Services More than just bibliographic holdings, data, information seeking Now informatics - with emphasis on application & learning from practice Library as Place – Commons, Collaboratory, Laboratory, Exhibits, Theatre, Auditorium, Classroom, Technology Center Science Communication Public Understanding of Science Information Literacy – curriculum/content based with schools, programs, etc 2

Transitioning to new roles Affirming relevance to user communities Scholarly Communication & Science Communication Science in Films, Animation, Games, Exhibits, Literature, Virtual Worlds (Second Life, etc) Promoting new & emerging technologies Publicizing Science in broader community Participating in Speakers’ Bureaus 3

Extra Programs Popular Science – Gadgets, Entrepreneurial Directions, Patents, Current Events Library Outreach – –Role models for youth –Science Fairs – librarians as judges Poster Sessions from conferences in libraries Exhibits – promoting campus research or course work & projects; emphasizing visuals Bulletin Boards in & outside library Promoting News or Message Boards – Science Info Journal Reading Clubs – campus or external Book Reviews in the Sciences – even about biographical subjects – Famous Scientists, etc Science Fiction clubs Promote “Year of Science 2009”; 40 th anniversary of Earth Day, etc 4

Academic Programs Summer Programs – in CA: COSMOS for high school students; camps; intense programs for new graduate students; diversity programs to attract nontraditional students to science careers Senior Design classes Mentorship opportunities Career Fairs Student Chapters of Professional & Scholarly Societies – ex) IEEE, ACM, ACS, SPIE, ASEE, etc Partnering with Library or i-Schools Career Centers Exhibits 5

Community Outreach Public Schools – identify with a teacher, principal –Home School movement - community of parents, students, sponsors, etc Clubs - Philanthropic or charity groups –Rotary, Scouts, Big Brothers/Sisters, etc Bookstores – author signings, new content Scheduled activities or community calendar –Campus Homecoming events Public Libraries 6

After Hours Film Nights Game Nights & Competitions Adopt a lab with a tour Host a traveling exhibit Virtual tours and online or radio interviews – streaming capabilities Concerts – promoting relationship of science & music Poster Sessions Lectures & Programs Science Cafe 7

Science Café – Café Scientifique Library as campus host – promotes public understanding of science Sigma Xi – sponsorship Public Television – WGBN Boston – offers content & ideas for programs Local Press & Media for publicity Builds on National Press – NYT Science News, etc; National Academies Promotes campus faculty & research agenda Soundbites – no ppt presentations 8

More café focus Blends food & drink with discussion Encourages family nights Can partner with Science or Children’s Museums Frequency can vary Confirms Open Access in many ways 9

Science Education Opportunities to work with Schools of Education – Science Education is gaining momentum for national rankings, global competitiveness STEM initiatives are favorite directives of foundations & opportunities for partnerships Builds on Scientific Literacy – a critical component of information literacy, graphicacy, data deluge 10

Other Community Related STEM work: AAUW – local programs such as Expanding Your Horizons Diversity Programs promoting Women/Girls in Science Young Scientist programs Alliance for Education Can compete for & secure federal grants – Title II, NSF, etc Can develop partnerships with other community sponsors – Utility Companies, Banks, Law Firms, etc. 11

Additional Resources NSF Digital Library (NSDL) National Academy of Sciences & National Academy Press School Librarians Public Librarians Corporate/Special Librarians Leaders in the marketplace 12

So what are you doing in your Library? To promote science? How do we share this information? Is your Library Administration supportive? 13