A National Earth and Space Science Initiative That Connects NASA, Public Libraries and Their Communities
NASA Science Mission Directorate education objectives support the Nation’s education efforts to improve science literacy and to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. One institution that can accomplish both of these outcomes, for people of all ages and in every region of the country, is our public library system – the central focus of the NASA@ My Library project.
NASA@ My Library is made possible through the support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) as part of its Science Activation program.
In 2021-2022, NASA@ My Library will:
- Develop public library staff capacity for delivering Earth and space science programming, services, and outreach to learners of diverse racial/ethnic identities
- Increase public library patron access to exciting NASA science-focused learning opportunities
- Increase public library staff confidence and skills in utilizing NASA science resources for high-visibility Earth and space science events
- Support library staff in promoting patron awareness of skills, educational pathways, and careers relating to Earth and space science
Project Vision
Through the NASA@ My Library project, NASA, library staff, and our partners will increase and enhance NASA STEAM learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underrepresented in STEM education and professions.
Project Team
• PI and Project Director: Anne Holland (NCIL/SSI)
• Co-I: James Harold (NCIL/SSI)
• Co-I: Melanie Welch (ALA)
• Co-I: Christine Shupla (LPI)
• Project Manager: Jessica Santascoy (NCIL/SSI)
• Evaluation: Ginger Fitzhugh (EDC)
NASA@ My Library Resources
STEM Activity Clearinghouse
On STAR Net‘s STEM Activity Clearinghouse, librarians and library staff can find over 500 high quality, vetted STEM activities that are perfect for the library setting.
International
STEM Events
By offering programming tied to existing international STEAM/space events, NASA@ My Library partners and other interested public libraries may draw upon existing program ideas and resources to attract the attention of their local community. Three events include the Look Up! Event celebrating the Launch and First Images of the James Webb Space Telescope (2021/2022) as well as Our Blue Planet: Earth, coinciding with CSLP’s Oceanography summer reading theme in 2022.
Collaboration
Opportunities
Libraries are invited to collaborate with a network of NASA Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to serve as speakers and participants in ongoing dialogues on STEAM learning and engagement.
Results to Date
- Lessons Learned from NASA STEM Workshops for High-Impact Professional Development
- STEAM Learning in Public Libraries: A “Guide on the Side” Approach for Inclusive Learning
- Online Learning Through the STAR Library Network: Resources, Networking, and Applied Practice in STEM Program Facilitation
- Eclipse 2017 in Libraries: The Impact of Providing 2.1 Million Eclipse Glasses and Support to 7,100 Libraries Nationwide
- Public Library Response to Covid: Part 2
- Virtual STEM Programs at Public Libraries Featuring Scientists
- NASA@ My Library Phase 1 Summative Evaluation Report
- NASA@ My Library State Library Agency Evaluation Report
- NASA@ My Library Portal to the Public Network Evaluation Report
- NASA@ My Library Virtual Programs NASA Scientists Evaluation Report
- Virtual Programs Featuring Scientists: Scientists, Science Centers, and Public Libraries working together to facilitate high-quality virtual programming for public audiences
NASA@ My Library is based upon work funded by NASA under cooperative agreement No. NNX16AE30A. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of NASA@ My Library and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.