what does the usgs need to consider when designing policy for citizen science projects? barbara...
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What does the USGS need to consider when designing policy for Citizen Science Projects?
Barbara Poore, USGSEric Wolf, USGS
Current Policy
• Privacy Act (1974)• Paperwork Reduction Act (1995)• Data Quality Act (2002)
(Fundamental Science Practices)
• USGS Volunteer Handbook (2011)
• Open Government Directive (2009)• White House Memo on the Use of Social
Media (2010)
Minimizes paperwork burden… resulting from the collection of information by or for the Federal Government.
PRA minimizes paperwork burdens…
Paperwork Reduction Act
Volunteer for Science Handbook“Volunteers are subject to at least a minimum of a fingerprint check if they will be working less than 180 days.”
USGS Volunteer for Science Handbook, 500-23-H, June 2011, P. 16
Form OF-301A
Current volunteer policy imposes a burden!
These activities are addressed in the handbook…
Citizen science projectswith explicitly educational outcomes and student participation
Acadia Learning: Participatory Watershed Workshop
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project
But these activities aren’t…The National Map Corps – Phase 2
Acadia Learning
But these people can’t be USGS Volunteers…
Citizen Science is Global
What about mobile applications?
”But even if you’re following the law, you can do things where people get queasy.” – Andrew Pole, Target Statistician
What kind of data are acceptable to mine?
The Shape of Citizen Science TodayWho Asks Questions? Experts
Geography of Questions Local
Geography of Participants Local
Knowledge/Skills Educated
Consent Documented
Research Design Experts
Geography of Technology Stationary
Usability Complex
Data Use Experts
Who Asks Questions? Experts Citizens
Geography of Questions Local Global
Geography of Participants Local Global
Knowledge/Skills Educated None
Consent Documented Unconscious
Research Design Experts Citizens
Geography of Technology Stationary Portable
Usability Complex Simple
Data Use Experts Community
The Shape of Citizen Science TomorrowThis is where
Citizen Science gets extreme!
Who Asks Questions? Experts Citizens
Geography of Questions Local Global
Geography of Participants Local Global
Knowledge/Skills Educated None
Consent Documented Unconscious
Research Design Experts Citizens
Geography of Technology Stationary Portable
Usability Complex Simple
Data Use Experts Community
The Shape of Citizen Science Tomorrow