A recent case study examines how the Latvian Valmiera Library has developed civic science activities. It focuses on one of its activities, namely a collection of local place names in the Valmiera region. This local history initiative was carried out as part of the Valmiera Library's participation in the EU-funded European Citizen Science (ECS) project.
The ECS project had a great impact on the Valmiera community by raising awareness and promoting engagement in citizen science. Through the library's activities and collaboration with other institutions organizing events and conferences on citizen science, the topic gained considerable attention. The library provided them with valuable information on how to contribute to science initiatives and encouraged them to get involved.
One of the most important outcomes was the professional development of library staff. They learned how libraries can play a central role in promoting citizen science and now feel more confident in organizing activities, participating in scientific projects and collaborating with scientific institutions.
The project also provided the Valmiera library with the opportunity to build relationships with teachers, as well as institutions such as nature and research centers, laying the foundation for future collaborations on scientific topics. It also resulted in an extensive collection of local place names and stories, preserving cultural heritage while promoting intergenerational cooperation. For senior citizens, it provided a platform to document their knowledge, while young people gained hands-on experience in citizen science and digital documentation.
Awareness of citizen science was raised among both library users and the general public, encouraging engagement. Overall, the project strengthened links with the community, enriched local knowledge and established the library as a key player in linking science and society.
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