KEY POINTS
- Use fun extracurricular STEM opportunities to engage and educate the public.
- Invest in free resources to expand access to the community.
- Encourage collaboration among historically underrepresented populations.
Despite the fact that occupations in the STEM fields are growing faster than ever, studies have shown that women, African Americans, and Latinx individuals are less likely to engage with STEM subjects. And this problem is even more prominent in the United States, where it has been found that students across the board are less likely to earn postsecondary and graduate degrees in the STEM fields compared to students in other countries. One promising solution to this equity gap in STEM lies in public libraries and their interaction with the communities around them.
PROVIDE ENGAGING ACTIVITIES
Public libraries are the perfect resource for providing supplemental activities and learning opportunities outside of the scope of school. This allows libraries to support informal learning opportunities that incorporate more fun, competitive tasks rather than structured lessons. Allowing patrons to rent out time on library 3D printers is one great example — and also presents a great opportunity for fundraising by charging users based on print time, total number of prints, or grams of filament used. Such a program can increase foot traffic in the library while also encouraging patrons to get creative. Hosting robotics events, in which patrons are challenged to complete a task via the programming of a robot, is another great example of community involvement. Programs like these allow individuals to learn about the STEM subjects outside of a school environment, which increases their likelihood of developing an interest in STEM, remaining engaged with STEM, and potentially, pursuing careers in the STEM fields.
INCREASE ACCESS
Library STEM programs give visitors the chance to engage in valuable learning experiences, all in a free, low-pressure, collaborative environment. This is especially important for lower income individuals and families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to do so. The greater the number of free resources a library has to offer, the more it is able to positively impact the lives of its patrons, regardless of their economic status, whether it be a person using a computer at a library to search for a job, a family attending an educational event, or a student seeking resources to help with homework. Libraries can also serve the communities around them by providing exposure to new technologies like 3D printers, robotics, and virtual reality devices. These kinds of opportunities are great ways to get young students interested in STEM and to truly create a world with “STEM for all.”
ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION AND EQUALITY
Aside from financial equity, libraries also offer equity to underrepresented groups who otherwise would be less likely to engage with STEM subjects. Partnering with local organizations and hosting selective programs that focus on increasing STEM engagement among women, African Americans, and Latinx individuals is one approach. Orchestrating community-wide programs that encourage inclusivity and collaboration is another option that can bridge the gap for underrepresented groups. With STEM learning opportunities in public libraries becoming increasingly popular, these programs hold promise for a future without an equity gap in the STEM fields.
