Region 9: Best Practices Guide for Library Air Sensor Loan Programs

2019 Regional-State-Tribal Innovation Projects

The advancement of portable, low-cost air sensor technology allows citizen scientists to measure air quality in their neighborhoods and communities. The 2019 RSTIP project built off the 2018 RSTIP project, which funded the Los Angeles Public Library with about 20 air sensors that library patrons could check out, just like they check out a book. That project revealed a lack of publicly available materials, such as training curriculum and hands-on activities, on how to use low-cost air sensors in community settings. A collaboration between EPA and the Los Angeles Public Library, created a set of curricula and materials that can be used by non-technical staff in a library, school or community setting on the role of air sensors in environmental science and public health. This program continued to expand in 2020 bringing on new partners in Regions 5 and 10 to create more resources and engage more types of partners and culminated with a “best practices” guide.  The guide helps organizations that want to start their own air sensor loan program aimed at increasing communities’ understanding of air quality and improving the health of citizens. For more information and to access these resources, visit the Air Sensor Loan Programs webpage.