From Robot Races to Maker Spaces: STEM at the Public Library

2 min read

By Harmony Faust

Public libraries can and do play a strong role in fostering an interest and developing skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)—among children, teens and adults alike. Gale’s announcements yesterday afternoon mean that libraries of all types will soon have additional support in delivering research assistance in these key disciplines.

Classes, workshops and events related to STEM concepts are already prevalent at libraries nationwide. Even with catchy names like Legopalooza, DevDev, HiTech and MakerLab, it’s clear that these programs pack some serious punch when it comes to boosting STEM skills.

We’ve seen a number of creative and engaging hands-on programs designed to supplement formal curriculum and improve STEM education for young learners, as well as engage adults in continued learning and are excite to announce we’ll be launching an ongoing series of articles focused on:

  • STEM and Early Literacy
  • Hands-on Teen Programs
  • Engaging Adults in the Hard Sciences

Each post will be written by a guest author and leader in the library community. Learn from your peers, share your own ideas, and subscribe to the blog for updates as new content is added.

In the meantime, be sure to check out Star_Net’s great list of science-technology resources and activities for libraries.
[alert-info]Harmony Faust

About the Author

Harmony Faust is Gale’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications. She channels her passion for libraries into her volunteer work, serving as a member of the steering committee for the Corporate Committee for Library Investment and on the Board of Directors for EveryLibrary, the only national organization dedicated to building voter support for libraries. Harmony lives in Plymouth, Michigan, with her husband, dog and two young children. Her opinions are her own.

 

[/alert-info]Nike

Leave a Comment