1. ‘Science & Society’ & Libraries Frank Norman National Institute for Medical Research

2. 5 Nov 2003USTLG2 Overview Science ‘Science & Society’ ‘Science & Society’ & Libraries

3. 5 Nov 2003USTLG3 Science Complex Specialised A process Misunderstood Documented All pervasive in effects on 21st century life

4. 5 Nov 2003USTLG4 ‘Science & Society’ 1985 - COPUS –BA, Roy Soc, Roy Inst 2001 - H of L SC on Sci Technol Report –radioactive waste, BSE, GM foods, cloning –more openness/dialogue from scientific institutions should play an integral role in scientific decision-making 2002 - BA report

5. 5 Nov 2003USTLG5 S&S. Messages A crisis of trust. Listen to the public's values and attitudes ‘PUS’ is demeaning and condescending and is no longer enough Secrecy must give way to a presumption of openness and transparency Scientists must learn to live with a free press

6. 5 Nov 2003USTLG6 OST http://www.ost.gov.uk/ Science & Society Directorate –overview and coordination of S&S work across DTI and government –funds public engagement with science and confidence in science –scientific workforce and careers –diversity in science funding and workforce

7. 5 Nov 2003USTLG7 POST http://www.parliament.uk/post/ –publications on S&S –other good summaries of key topics

8. 5 Nov 2003USTLG8 No more ivory towers Public Understanding of Science Public Unease about Science Science and Society Blakemore - (new MRC chief) –The big issue to be addressed is public trust in science –Scientists should be rewarded for public communication

9. 5 Nov 2003USTLG9 Dialogue No longer an optional extra Bread and butter for scientists Cultural change

10. 5 Nov 2003USTLG10 ‘Science & Society’ & Libraries Guardians of the scientific record Anything else?

11. 5 Nov 2003USTLG11 Science libraries’ role Supporting undergraduate learning Supporting scientific research

12. 5 Nov 2003USTLG12 A new frontier Another adventure PEST is about information –Open Access may break some barriers

13. 5 Nov 2003USTLG13 Stretching THES, 11 July 2003 Steve Morgan (Univ Glam) “Why don’t library staff go into local communities and preach the HE gospel?” Collaboration between different library services

14. 5 Nov 2003USTLG14 Libraries and S&S Supporting researchers Outreach Fringes Stimulating/coordinating institutional response

15. 5 Nov 2003USTLG15 Feed information to researchers Collection development –Popular science, policy, “how-to” guides Information / news service –Legal, news, reports, meetings

16. 5 Nov 2003USTLG16 Engage in outreach? School visits Information on external website –FOI; may need context Services to public –Allow them in? –Develop materials? Outreach to non-science students –Science and citizenship now taught in schools

17. 5 Nov 2003USTLG17 Fringes Art-science projects –Library may have materials to feed artists’ imaginations History of science –Can be a way in to science

18. 5 Nov 2003USTLG18 Institutional response It is wider than the Library Library may stimulate / coordinate –Publishing, events Partnership with PR department? –They may have science writers in post –Can the Library assist?

19. 5 Nov 2003USTLG19 Is this all nonsense? Is this stretching our skills too far? Do we have time for all this? Are others doing the job fine anyway? Do I want the public in my library?