Showing posts with label steam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label steam. Show all posts
STEAM into Sydney: Takeaways
On March 16-17, Celeste and I (Dasha) attended IFLA PublicLibraries’ Section Mid Term Meeting at the SLNSW. The agenda was STEAM. STEAM, for the uninitiated, is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics – seeks to contend with a lack of engagement in these disciplines in formal education. As discussed at the conference, the ‘arts’ are sometimes omitted, though I am firmly in the STEAM, not STEM, camp. Speakers commenting on this trend consistently assert that the arts and sciences are inextricably linked (one thought-provoking example was presented by Matt Poll and Marcus Hughes from the University of Sydney and Museum of Arts and Applied Science, examining contemporary Indigenous sciences, which are closely tied to artistic cultural practice).
These were two days of concentrated ideas, featuring over 20 speakers, a mix of keynotes and panel discussions, librarians and
non-librarians, from Australian and international organisations. The
overarching focus was on diverse libraries’ STEAM activities and opportunities for
partnerships in related industries. Naturally, I was particularly interested in how these
spaces included makerspaces and fab labs (fabrication labs: see MIT).
Rather than rehash the content of every speaker (and the
19-odd papers of required reading), I am keen to share my key takeaways from the
conference. The conference papers can be found HERE and many are worth reading. I also want to
acknowledge the generous encouragement of Angela and Debbie in our attendance
at this very in-demand conference.
Takeaway #1: Action
The most successful STEAM programs in libraries worldwide
have been set up to succeed with well-thought out and effectively integrated
activities and tools. A plan for ongoing STEAM programming is essential to meet
the growing needs for this type of education not just for children, but also
for youth and adults. As indicated throughout the conference, STEAM is a new
form of literacy.
I spoke to Joy Suliman from City of
Canada Bay Libraries’ hugely inspiring purpose built e-resource centre The
Learning Space, and her advice was “just do it” – her examples included STEAM
demonstrations between shelves at the library before the centred officially opened.
Deborah Jacobs, Director of Global Libraries at the Bill
& Melinda Gates Foundation, underscored one of the features we know and love
about libraries: our programs can bring about social change. She cited the Aspen Institute’s Rising to theChallenge: Re-Envisioning Public Libraries report as essential reading.
Is there a way we can co-ordinate our own future STEAM
programs to better use resources and staff knowledge? Perhaps the formation of a
STEAM working group, which could even encompass the activities of the MakerSpace?
Space is like gold at libraries. But inspiring, sustainable
programs intended for longevity need designated, thoughtfully-considered
spaces. Multiple library services outlined how the goals of their
makerspaces, fab labs and medialabs aligned with council values and community
expectations - thus making their case for such programs stronger. Among the inspiring studies put forward by libraries, two speakers from Canada were of particular note: Takeaway #2: Space
Chantal Brodeur, head of the Repentigny Public Library Network, which has a new youth space incorporating digital
creation, in the form of a medialab, and digital fabrication, as a makerspace.
As yet unopened, it has been designed as a 3rd place for young people
(not school, and not home) to meet and collaborate.
Suzanne Payette, Director of Brossard Public Library and
its FabLab in Québec, which was created to tie into the 'intelligent city' mission. In term of design, I see it as representing best practice in fab labs. It is open, bright, inviting and and deceptively
simple, with multipurpose capacity.
Brossard has a culturally
diverse population. User consultation
was pivotal in establishing a space concept relatively new to Quebec
public libraries: the fab lab. Yet the mission of such a project is tied
closely to the purpose of a library in the 21st century, such as
the role of libraries in “[promoting] a participatory approach, collaboration and
cooperation… [stimulating] creativity and innovation… [providing] democratic
access to technology”. Brossard leveraged existing use of library space by
repurposing an existing computer lab. iPads and laptops were made available for loan
within the library to compensate for the changing use of the computer
lab.
Payette’s paper addresses
details of budget and planning in the project’s development. Two
dedicated staff were involved in its implementation. As in other STEAM-savvy libraries, staff were specifically
allocated for the development and operation of the fab lab.
Takeaway #3: Partnerships
Our Childrens' Team’s newly activated ThinkSTEM program is exactly the type of partnership with so much potential for added programming value. While brainstorming, Celeste and I considered potential partners in sources such as ANSTO, and locally-based students of Wollongong University.
Takeaway #4: Time
Like space, time is an invaluable currency. Time and budget were glaring hurdles for most (though not all) library services. New equipment is ineffectual if there is no people-power behind it. New technology – whether it is a Sphero robot running an obstacle course, MakeyMakey banana-piano kit, or Glowforge laser cutter (https://glowforge.com) – can excite and engage our patrons, as well as non-traditional library users. There was constant reinforcement that time was needed to develop knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis.Technology we showcase helps make other technical experiences more accessible to our users. Professor Carolyn McGregor, Research Chair in Health Informatics at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, cited a range of disruptive innovation that have very quickly become ingrained in our daily experiences, including Amazon-profile modelling and Internet of Things healthcare devices such as Fitbits – what better place than a library to demonstrate what technology can do?
We may never be experts in all fields – nor should we try to
be – but the library of the future will recognise that STEAM education is a
primary, rather a secondary, library function.
-Dasha
ifla
,
makerspace
,
steam
,
technology
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