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Guest post by Heather Moorefield-Lang Information Literacy Information Literacy, as defined by the Association of College and Research Libraries (2000), is the ability to know when information is needed as well as locate, evaluate, and use that information effectively. Information literacy typically has six steps (ACRL, 2000). Determine the type of information needed Accessing the needed information Evaluating found information critically Integrating new knowledge Use information effectively for the given task Knowing or understanding the legal and/or social issues involved with using the knowledge. In other words, using found information ethically. The idea behind information literacy was originally focused on institutes [...]

Guest post by Afterschool Alliance staff All across America, afterschool programs love their libraries! According to a 2017 study of more than 350 afterschool programs, nearly three-quarters reported that they were working with their local public library in diverse ways, from literacy initiatives to book lending programs and STEM activities. Those informal learning relationships deserve to be featured, and that’s why “Library Partnerships” is a theme of this year’s Lights On Afterschool—the only nationwide celebration of afterschool programs, annually featuring more than 8K events and 1M participants across the country. If you’re not already in partnership with an afterschool program, it can be difficult to [...]

The Louisville Public Library has been a great friend to the STAR Net Project since it’s inception almost 10 years ago. They’re now looking for a new Director to carry on the amazing legacy of Beth Barrett, and requested we share this announcement with STAR Net libraries, as they’re the type of innovative individuals Louisville is looking for! Minimum Qualifications Completion of a Master’s degree program at an American Library Association accredited college or university with major coursework in Library Science and Museum Studies (or Anthropology), and a minimum of seven years of increasingly responsible experience in professional public library administration [...]

Guest post by Margaret Caspe, PhD - Director of research and professional learning at Global Family Research Project How can LED lights, conductive copper tape, and coin batteries bring brightness to families in Homer, Alaska during the darkest winter months? Through a STEM-focused family program at the Homer Public Library of course! Librarians in Homer recently created a series of family workshops highlighting circuit-building skills – one of which focused on making light-up holiday cards. Together parents and children asked questions about positive and negative charges, tinkered, and laughed while creating STEM-inspired seasons greetings.     This is but one example of how public [...]