October 15, 2025
Acts of Science:
Make Every Program Count This April
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How familiar are you with
Citizen Science?
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(Expert / Practiced / Beginner /
Never heard of it! / Descriptive Emoji)
Citizen Science is Serious Science
A global movement that enables people from all walks of life to contribute to real scientific research in collaboration with scientists.
Anytime, from anywhere.
Participatory Research, Community Science, Neighborhood Science, Civic Science, Crowdsourcing
Acts of science can involve…
(Also referred to as community science, participatory research and crowdsourced science)
Biodiversity, Night Sky
Observing
Wildlife, Pollinator Activity, Bird Migration
Monitoring
Water Quality, Light Pollution, Marine Debris
Measuring
Videos and Images online
Analyzing
Photos and Samples
Collecting
Citizen Science can involve….
At your library, in a garden, at night, from home, during a walk, on a computer, independently, as a group…
STEM programs teach science.
Citizen Science ALSO benefits science and society.
Participants AND scientists learn. Science is accelerated.
A go-to resource for volunteers, scientists, facilitators (librarians/staff), and researchers.
Use SciStarter to:
Programs for Libraries
Create your free SciStarter account, then, join the Citizen and Community Science Library Network to stay up to date on all three programs!
Are you in the Library Network?
Please reply in the chat:
(Yes / No / Never heard of it!)
Citizen & Community Science Library Network
Libraries address known barriers to engagement in citizen science: Lack of awareness; Lack of access to tools/resources; Social isolation.
Participating librarians reported gains in: Participating patrons reported gains in:
University Office of Evaluation and Educational Effectiveness. Arizona State University. (2019). Libraries as Community Hubs for Citizen Science: Year 2 Summative Evaluation Report.
Citizen & Community Science Library Network
1200 strong…and counting!
Create your free SciStarter account,
then join the Network!
SciStarter.org/Library
Get familiar with the resources that fit your library’s capacity.
From ongoing displays to book lists to short term events to circulating citizen science kits, we’ve got what you need.
Year-round resources for libraries
Professional Development
Online, Self-Guided Trainings
Build your confidence and increase engagement and retention via online training, resources and support from SciStarter team members.
Start with the Foundations of Citizen Science
Then complete the new training just for Librarians and Staff!
SciStarter Ambassadors
Citizen Science Month 2026
America Gives
The U.S. will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
SciStarter is an official partner of America Gives, the largest volunteer effort in US history!
2.50 Million Acts of Science in April!
Let’s make history, one Act of Science at a time!
CitSciMonth Event Planning
Citizen Science Month (April)
2.50 Million Acts of Science
Events Facilitators
Project Scientists
Host an event, promote any project!
To ensure your Acts of Science are included for America Gives:
The
Public
Acts of Science: Connected
Many Places. One Purpose. Acts that advance science.
One event per week. Pick one or more! OR, choose a project/plan an event that works best for your library’s capacity and interest!
Acts of Science: Connected
SciStarter does the heavy lifting! We invite the scientist, set up the main Zoom room, and produce the central “mothership” event (about 2 hours) that all participating locations connect into. All you need to do is register to host a satellite event and livestream the “Mothership” event, invite your community, prepare WiFi and devices, and add the in-person fun for participants as they contribute to science!
Benefits to Facilitators
Acts of Science: Connected Resources
Professional Development
Event Facilitation
Acts of Science: Connected
Before:
During:
After:
engagement (SciStarter will provide downloadable, takeaways.)
Sign Up!
Tell us you want to host a livestream of Acts of Science: Connected!
Next Steps
Next Library Network Webinar
Date: October 21, 2025
Time: 11AM PT/ 2PM ET
Register:
Info Session/Workshop
CONNECTED
Questions?
Integrating Acts of Science
Montana State University
Pollinator Event
From ongoing displays, to book lists, to short term events, to circulating citizen science kits
Integrating Acts of Science
Edelman Fossil Park Museum
Citizen Science Sundays
Integrating Acts of Science
Burton Barr Central Library
Introduction to Citizen Science Workshop
Find resources for
your programs on SciStarter.org/Library