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Short Abstract

This paper examines digital reference services in Nigerian medical education as a case for inclusive information management, highlighting ethical governance, equity, and cultural sensitivity to show how student knowledge can inform both citizen science and policy

Abstract

Citizen science underscores how the design and governance of data directly influence participation, justice, and impact. This presentation draws on digital reference resources and services in Nigerian medical education to explore inclusive approaches to information management. University libraries and digital platforms provide essential resources for medical students, yet issues of ethical governance, equitable access, and cultural sensitivity remain pressing. These challenges raise critical questions about how information systems can empower learners while also contributing to broader citizen science frameworks.

The paper highlights three interconnected dimensions. First, it considers how multilingual access, community driven archiving, and context-sensitive design can enhance effective learning and promote knowledge equity among students. Second, it analyzes the tensions between standardized metadata needed for interoperability and local knowledge practices that reflect cultural and contextual realities. Third, it examines how student generated knowledge can feed into institutional decision-making, inform medical curricula, and shape national health strategies.

By positioning medical students not only as consumers of information but also as contributors to wider knowledge systems, the presentation situates medical education within global debates on citizen science. It emphasizes how inclusive, ethically governed, and culturally sensitive information systems can bridge the gap between local practices and international scientific and policy frameworks.

Ultimately, the argument advanced is that rethinking data ethics and governance in medical education provides valuable lessons for strengthening citizen science. Such an approach fosters more equitable, resilient, and community-centered models that respect local contexts while informing global policy and practice.