Science boot camp for librarians: CPD on a shoestring

Maxine G. Schmidt, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Rebecca Reznik-Zellen, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Abstract

Science Boot Camp for Librarians was envisioned as a casual but intensive immersion event into selected scientific subjects that employ networked computing capabilities for research and collaboration. The goal of the event is to provide librarians with networking opportunities, but more importantly, to give them some of the context and ocabulary of a discipline to enable them to better engage faculty and research scientists with regard to escience. A half-day is devoted to each of three topics chosen for that year’s camp. A local faculty member provides an overview of the research area, and a second describes a single project that illustrates how the research is conducted. Speakers are asked to aim their talks to an audience of educated non-specialists. By making use of the resources of all five institutions, we have kept the registration fee for the camp to $200 per person, which covers a room for two nights, food for two and a half days, and all materials. An important part of the camp is the opportunity to socialize with colleagues from different institutions; consequently, the camp includes at least two social events. The camps have received enthusiastic praise from participants.