Academic libraries in Baltic countries have been actively involved in open science (OS) activities for about a decade now. These libraries offer OS support services in universities; however, involvement in citizen science (CS) is still in the development phase. The connection between citizen-generated data at citizen science projects to the open science cycle is yet to be achieved. There is thus a huge potential in making science more accessible to society, by streamlining open and citizen science for improved knowledge within and beyond universities.

LibOCS’ goal is to raise awareness and mainstream citizen science activities in Baltic university libraries which have already developed expertise in open science but not in citizen science. Besides keeping track of CS and OS implementation progress and procedures, LibOCS aims also to foster non-expert public groups’ social engagement and collaboration.

Key project outcomes

● Open access guideline “Drivers and barriers of civic engagement in open science and the role of university libraries in the Baltics”: the way ahead”
● 10 information campaigns (2 per Baltic university) between librarians and teaching/research staff
● Training in citizen science and open science skills for academic and library personnel in the Baltics.
● Citizen science activities by teaching/research staff in collaboration with librarians.