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Wissenschaftsbotschafter:innen Citizen Science Science communication Public Science

Libraries as bridges between academia and society

Libraries are increasingly taking on an active role in bridging the gap between research and the public. As an article recently published in bibliotheksnachrichten explains, they are evolving from traditional venues for media lending into ‘third places’ that facilitate exchange, learning and social participation. In doing so, they create favourable conditions for citizen science and other participatory research approaches.

1 min read · 09. June 2026

“Lifelong learning” is the theme of the latest issue of *bibliotheksnachrichten*. Drawing on the Citizen Science Award and Science Ambassadors initiatives coordinated by the OeAD, the article demonstrates how libraries can engage citizens in research projects and support researchers in implementing participatory formats. Workshops, lectures by researchers and local event series foster dialogue between science and society and enable the active participation of diverse sections of the population.

The article emphasises that libraries have a wide reach, strong local roots and low-threshold access. These characteristics make them valuable partners for researchers who wish to reach new target groups and incorporate societal perspectives into their work. As places of encounter and co-creation, libraries thus make an important contribution to an open, inclusive culture of science and strengthen the link between research and the public.

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Wissenschaftsbotschafter:innen Citizen Science Science communication Public Science

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