Science Literacy for Librarians

Sarah Rosencrans August 10, 2011

Definition of Science Science is based on obtaining &

accumulating knowledge based on principles of the scientific methods & other proven models (In Defense of Science, pg. 5)

What do you think of when you think of science?

Scientist by PJR (16), 2009Scientist by TDR (13), 2009

Definitions of science literacy “We may define science literacy as an

acquaintance with science, technology, & medicine, popularized to various degrees, on the part of the general public & special sectors of the public through information in the mass media & education in & out of schools.” (Shen, 1975, pg. 45)

Three types: Practical, Civic, Cultural

Definitions of science literacy “Science literacy is much less a measure of technical

knowledge than of science awareness.” Attributes of science literacy

Appreciation of the nature & aims of science & technology

Knowledge of how science is funded, its conventional practices, & application of discoveries

Basic understanding of interpreting numerical data General grounding in selected areas of science Appreciation of interrelationship between science,

technology, & society Ability to update & acquire new scientific information in

the future.

(Sapp, 1992, pg. 25&26)

Mad Scientist and the Guinea Pigs by EMR (19), 2009

Why Science Literacy?

American students are falling behind in science & math

Science is increasingly important to every day life

Science encompasses some of the major issues of the day Public health Climate change Alternative energy Jobs

Standards of science literacy

Scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity.

It also includes specific types of abilities. In the National Science Education Standards, the content standards define scientific literacy.

Scientific literacy means that a person can ask, find, or determine answers to questions derived from curiosity about everyday experiences.

It means that a person has the ability to describe, explain, and predict natural phenomena.

Scientific literacy entails being able to read with understanding articles about science in the popular press and to engage in social conversation about the validity of the conclusions.

Scientific literacy implies that a person can identify scientific issues underlying national and local decisions and express positions that are scientifically and technologically informed.

A literate citizen should be able to evaluate the quality of scientific information on the basis of its source and the methods used to generate it.

Scientific literacy also implies the capacity to pose and evaluate arguments based on evidence and to apply conclusions from such arguments appropriately.

National Science Education Standards. 1996, pg. 22

ACRL Information Literacy Standards

1. The information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed.2. The information literate student acquires needed information effectively and efficiently3. The information literate student critically evaluates the procured information and its sources, and as a result, decides whether or not to modify the initial query and/or seek additional sources and whether to develop a new research process.4. The information literate student understands the economic, ethical, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and its technologies and either as an individual or as a member of a group, uses information effectively, ethically, and legally to accomplish a specific purpose.5. The information literate student understands that information literacy is an ongoing process and an important component of lifelong learning and recognizes the need to keep current regarding new developments in his or her field.

Science & Information Literacy

1. The information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed. (ACRL) Scientific literacy means that a person can ask, find, or

determine answers to questions derived from curiosity about everyday experiences.

…person can identify scientific issues underlying national and local decisions…

implies the capacity to pose[…]arguments based on evidence…

Science & Information Literacy2. The information literate student acquires needed information effectively and efficiently

Scientific literacy means that a person can ask, find, or determine answers to questions derived from curiosity about everyday experiences.

It means that a person has the ability to describe, explain, and predict natural phenomena.

Science & Information Literacy3. The information literate student critically evaluates the procured information and its sources, and as a result, decides whether or not to modify the initial query and/or seek additional sources and whether to develop a new research process. Scientific literacy entails being able to read with

understanding articles about science in the popular press ….

A literate citizen should be able to evaluate the quality of scientific information on the basis of its source and the methods used to generate it.

Science & Information Literacy4. The information literate student understands the economic, ethical, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and its technologies and either as an individual or as a member of a group, uses information effectively, ethically, and legally to accomplish a specific purpose.

Scientific literacy entails being able to read with understanding articles about science in the popular press and to engage in social conversation about the validity of the conclusions.

Scientific literacy implies that a person can identify scientific issues underlying national and local decisions and express positions that are scientifically and technologically informed.

Science & Information Literacy5. The information literate student understands that information literacy is an ongoing process and an important component of lifelong learning and recognizes the need to keep current regarding new developments in his or her field. Scientific literacy means that a person can ask,

find, or determine answers to questions derived from curiosity about everyday experiences.

Importance of staying on top of current issues This could include preparation for a future

career

Ercegovac, Z. (2003) Bringing the library into the lab. School Library Journal, pg. 53

Scientist by LHN, 2009

Librarians & Science literacyScience literacy is a

communication issue“scientific information must

be accessible & comprehensible in order to be useful” (Sapp, 1992, pg. 26)

Librarians & science literacy

Evaluating information sources Popularization conundrum

Accessibility vs. accuracy? Literature

Think Frankenstein Movies TV

CSI & Discovery Channel Video Games Cartoons, Comics

Detecting Scientific Fraud1. Discoverers use science by press conference to directly

announce their discoveries rather than through fellow scientists2. Discoverers claim various people have tried to suppress the

discovery3. Anecdotal evidence is used to back up the claim4. The discoverers work in isolation from the mainstream

scientific community5. True believers cite ancient tradition in support of the new claim6. The claimed effect appears so week that observers can hardly

distinguish it from noise. No amount of further work increases the signal

7. The discovery requires a change in the understanding of the fundamental laws of nature

(Park, 2000 qtd . in In Defense of Science, pg. 83)

Librarians & Scientific Literacy Facilitating communication

Creating a better understanding of the information seeking behavior of science-literate individuals

Gauging characteristics of science literate individuals

Evaluate & apply the appropriate information resourcesEvaluating popularizations of science for

collection development & reference services Science literacy needed to develop collections and

services to serve public education & science

Scientist by RDR, 2009

Science Literacy for the Information Age Science stereotypes and library

stereotypes must be overcome to promote scientific literacy

Libraries have the resources to bridge the communication gap

Scientists must teach the principles & facts

Information is easier to access than ever, no excuse for being ignorant

Sources:

ACRL: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/standards/infolitscitech.cfm

Ercegovac, Z. (2003) Bringing the library into the lab. School Library Journal, pg. 53

National Science Education Standards (1996) Center for Science, Mathematics, & Engineering Education. http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=4962

Sapp, Gregg. (1992) Science Literacy: A Discussion and an Information-based Definition. College & Research Libraries, January, pp.21-30

Shen, Benjamin S.P. (1975) Science Literacy and the Public Understanding of Science. Communication of Scientific Information, pp. 44-52)

Spellman, Frank R. & Price-Bayer, Joni. (2011) In Defense of Science: Why Scientific Literacy Matters. Government Institutes.