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Short Abstract

The National and University Library in Zagreb will present its experiences in the implementation of CSinitiatives, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinarity and the role of diverse collections, professional expertise, and collaborative practices in fostering innovative approaches to CS.

Abstract

Libraries, and particularly research libraries, are increasingly acknowledged as strategic environments for citizen science. They function as intermediaries that connect local communities with the scientific community. At the same time, they can preserve and provide access to a wide range of specialised collections, such as cartographic materials, music archives, manuscripts and graphic holdings, which represent valuable resources for interdisciplinary citizen science initiatives. Furthermore, library professionals often combine formal training in librarianship with expertise acquired in other academic fields. This diversity of knowledge strengthens their capacity to design, support and implement interdisciplinary activities in citizen science.

The National and University Library in Zagreb actively supports citizen science through the development of original projects, collaborative partnerships, training activities, and advisory services. The library has demonstrated this potential through a series of interdisciplinary citizen science activites. These include Self help and wellbeing in the academic online environment (psychology and information science), Dendroteka (forestry and information science), and Musical intelligence in the function of national heritage (music and information science).

This contribution will examine the ways in which libraries can mobilise their collections, their variety of materials, and the diverse academic backgrounds of their staff in order to advance interdisciplinary citizen science. It will also reflect on the practical experiences and outcomes of the National and University Library in Zagreb, offering insights that may inform future practices in the broader European and international context.