Library News »02/05/2014

 

Library Research Colloquium on Citizen Scientists at the University of Idaho set for Feb. 12

 

The University of Idaho Library kicks off its 2014 Research Colloquium Series with a look at the role of citizen scientists and interactive data uploading/mapping through the University of Idaho Extension. “The Contributions of Citizen Scientists at the University of Idaho” is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 12:30 p.m. on the main floor of the library. The public is invited to attend. 

Jim Ekins, Area Water Educator with the UI Extension, will discuss the IDAH2O Master Water Stewards water quality monitoring program and how citizen scientists, agencies, and research institutions are collaborating to fill gaps in knowledge about the natural world. Since 2010, the UI Extension has trained nearly 200 citizen volunteers in regional water quality issues and certified them for the program through classroom instruction and hands-on fieldwork. Data collected by volunteers assists agencies in establishing water quality standards and priorities. 

Ekins, along with David Volmer, Web Applications Developer with the Northwest Knowledge Network (NKN), and Bruce Godfrey, University of Idaho GIS Librarian, will discuss what motivates volunteers, bringing in data on volunteer activity patterns and tying it to NKN and IDAH2O's monitoring site mapping and water quality data uploading application. They will also present information on interactive water quality data mapping tools. 

The University of Idaho Library Research Colloquium series was established to bring librarians and researchers together to discuss a common research interest for the benefit of the campus community.