Research Article: “Adults Need STEM, Too: An Assessment of One Public Library’s Experiment With STEM Programming for Adults”
The following research article (peer-reviewed) was published today by The Journal of Creative Library Practice.
Title
Author
Jennifer Wilhelm
Texas A&M University University Libraries
Jessica Jones
Branch Manager, Bryan + College Station Public Library System
Source
The Journal of Creative Library Practice
December 14, 2019
Abstract
In 2016, the Bryan + College Station Public Library System received a $1,000 grant to conduct informal STEM programs for adults. The library’s stated goals were to encourage lifelong learning and civic engagement through informal STEM programs, increase and diversify adult program attendance, and strengthen ties to both the local university and the community. In addition, we wished to promote the idea of libraries as safe spaces for controversial topics; in this case, climate change. This article will examine the experience of developing, promoting, and executing an informal STEM program for adults. The resulting three-part program was divided into book club and science café portions, and was partially facilitated by a science partner. The goals were reached and surpassed, with the resulting increase in adult attendance and positive reaction to a climate change program encouraging the system to increase its STEM-based offerings for adults.
Direct to Full Text Article
Filed under: Funding, Libraries, News, Public Libraries, Reports
About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.
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