UTM Library Showcases Citizen Science Leadership at the 19th CONSAL General Conference 2025
The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Library proudly presented its impactful citizen science initiative at the 19th CONSAL General Conference and Meeting, held from 16–19 June 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. Representing the library, Haliza Zainal delivered a paper titled “Libraries as Hubs of Action: Enhancing Biodiversity Awareness via Citizen Science Project at ICSBC 2024” on 17 June 2025. The presentation highlighted the library’s progressive role in integrating citizen science into community engagement, environmental education, and research support.
The paper showcased the International Citizen Science Boot Camp (ICSBC) 2024, a three-day program organized by UTM Library involving 100 participants from schools, universities, and local communities. Through four hands-on modules—flora eco-print, water quality assessment, insect observation, and bird watching—the initiative successfully strengthened scientific literacy and promoted biodiversity awareness. Using accessible field tools and the iNaturalist app, participants documented 125 insect species, 36 bird species, and 10 plant species, contributing meaningful data to biodiversity monitoring efforts.
Presenting to regional library leaders, Haliza emphasized how ICSBC 2024 reflects the evolving role of academic libraries as dynamic learning hubs that connect research with real-world environmental issues. The program demonstrated UTM Library’s commitment to open science, sustainability, and community-driven learning, aligning with institutional priorities under the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) and UTM Centre for Community and Industry Network (CCIN).
The audience responded positively to UTM Library’s model, recognizing its potential for replication across ASEAN libraries seeking to strengthen environmental engagement and empower communities through participatory science. The presentation also highlighted future directions for 2025, including expanding citizen science outreach and integrating community-generated data into research collaborations.
UTM Library’s contribution at CONSAL 2025 underscores its regional leadership in shaping libraries as catalysts for environmental stewardship, scientific awareness, and collaborative knowledge creation.
