What does the USGS need to consider when designing policy for Citizen Science Projects? Barbara...

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