Contributors from education and various sciences help educators and researchers teach scientific subjects to people with little or no scientific background in such a way that the people can understand and engage in citizen science. Their topics include more than just networking for citizen science: examining core roles of practitioner organizations, what drives citizens to engage in citizen science enabled by information and communication technology: a case study of online amateur weather networks, citizen observatories as advanced learning environments, a Welsh decision maker's view on whether citizen science can seriously contribute to policy development, and surface water information collection: volunteers keep the (North American) Great Lakes great
– Protoview Reviews
The book holds something for anyone looking to understand the recent developments in citizen science over the last few decades and signposts this with a considerable number of references to existing projects that may be analysed to aid further understanding. From a personal perspective it provided a real insight into how technology can be leveraged to meet the need for improved social engagement, and a review of the motivations that individuals cite for engaging in citizen science. Based on these two chapters alone the book has become an invaluable resource and I’d recommend it anyone who is looking to understand the current state of citizen science and how it can be applied effectively to environmental research.
– Dave Turvey, BTO
Highlighting emergent research and application techniques within citizen science initiatives, Analyzing the Role of Citizen Science in Modern Research appeals to academicians, researchers, policy-makers, government officials, technology developers, advanced-level students, and program developers interested in launching or improving citizen science programs across the globe. While there are many books about how the Internet is changing business or the government, this is the first book about something different and fundamental: how the Internet is empowering citizens in transforming the nature of science. Recommended for academic libraries.
– Thomas E. Baker, ARBA