STEM in Libraries is an ALA Member Initiative Group of the American Library Association. The group is open to all ALA members interested STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programming in libraries. Members enjoy networking, grant opportunities, and meeting like-minded library professionals (in person and online) to connect and share ideas.
The STEM in Public Libraries MIG was approved by ALA's Committee on Organization at the 2016 Midwinter Meeting in Boston. Below is the group's official charge: STEM in Public Libraries Member Initiative Group (STEM MIG): Libraries across the country have been reimagining their community role and leveraging their resources and public trust to strengthen community-based learning and foster critical thinking, problem solving, and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Just as 21st Century skills include innovation and creativity, libraries are developing new ways to engage their patrons, from pre-school to adults, in STEM learning. Introducing patrons to STEM research and the latest technological developments is something libraries are well-positioned to do. What started some years ago as independent experiments has become a national movement. As libraries evolve into community anchor institutions, this work is becoming an important piece of the programming and partnership puzzle. This group will help librarians engage their communities through the development and exchange of programming resources, hands-on training opportunities, activities that can be used in public programming, and announcements about new discoveries and upcoming events. The group’s efforts will support improved service to groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields, and help increase and sustain youth and public engagement in STEM.
Connect with members in the STEM in Libraries Facebook group.