The Importance of Libraries in STEM Education

The number of STEM careers available in the job market is currently growing twice as fast as the number of non-STEM careers. This is just one of the reasons why STEM learning opportunities are becoming a top priority, not only for schools but for libraries as well.

The idea of libraries consisting only of endless rows of bookshelves is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Nowadays, libraries are evolving into living, dynamic, hybrid spaces where patrons can engage in hands-on learning with new and exciting technologies like 3D printers, robotic arms, microcontrollers, and VR headsets. Whether in a STEM classroom or a library, the incorporation of makerspaces like these is revolutionizing the way we teach STEM. 

In particular, schools and public libraries occupy an important and unique position in the world of STEM education, allowing them to fill certain niche roles in educating the general public and preparing the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. Here are just a few examples:

A Different Way to STEM:

As you may know, makerspaces are workspaces where students can dive into active, hands-on learning experiences as they explore technology and develop solutions to problems, either individually or as a team. Makerspaces are ideal resources for providing supplemental activities that allow students to expand upon what they have learned in the classroom.

Makerspaces are becoming more and more ubiquitous in both classrooms and libraries, but libraries in particular offer students a different and unique way to engage with STEM subjects. Library STEM programs allow students to collaborate and innovate in a more open, informal environment outside of the standard, more rigid lesson structure common to a classroom. Encountering the STEM subjects in this more relaxed, exploratory context can often be more comfortable for students – especially very young students – and can increase their likelihood of developing an interest in STEM, remaining engaged with STEM, and potentially, pursuing a career in the STEM fields. In this sense, libraries have the power to deliver a truly well-rounded STEM experience and can provide a vital support system for teachers in the classroom.

STEM for All:

One benefit in particular when it comes to public libraries is that their resources and activities are open to the entire community around them. (As a bonus, public libraries allow students to learn right along with their parents/families, too!) STEM programs in public libraries 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 engage in such activities.

Public libraries have the very special ability to foster a thriving learning ecosystem in the communities they serve by engaging and educating the people around them and providing exposure to new technologies and educational resources. This can result in an extremely positive impact on patrons, regardless of their economic status, whether it be a family attending an educational event or a student seeking resources to help with homework. In this sense, libraries play an integral role in truly creating a world with “STEM for all.”

Instructor Training and Professional Development:

While libraries are certainly indispensable resources for educating students and the general public, they’re also the perfect centralized hub for keeping our invaluable educators up-to-date regarding the STEM resources available to them and the students they serve. The world of STEM education is a rapidly growing, ever-evolving field, so providing STEM teachers with plenty of training and professional development opportunities is a top priority. This is especially true when it comes to training teachers how to use the latest and greatest hands-on STEM technologies.

By hosting instructor training and professional development opportunities, libraries have the ability to empower teachers and give them the confidence to successfully implement hands-on STEM curriculum and technologies in their classrooms. These sorts of instructor training activities are also a great way to encourage collaboration between librarians, educators, and STEM leaders from the workforce in your community. On top of that, they can also serve as a great way to teach educators how to search for grants and other funding opportunities to further advance their own STEM programs.

STEM Equity:

Despite the fact that STEM careers are growing faster than ever, studies have shown that women, African Americans, and Latinx individuals are less likely to engage with STEM subjects than other demographics. This problem is even more prominent in the United States, where it’s 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. Libraries have the potential to be one promising solution to this equity gap in STEM.

By hosting events targeted at underrepresented groups, libraries have the potential to change the demographic landscape of STEM. In these sorts of scenarios, libraries can also partner with local organizations associated with specific demographics. Alternatively, libraries can orchestrate more general, community-wide programs that encourage inclusivity and collaboration. Whatever the approach, libraries stand at the center of bringing STEM into the lives of the people around them.

These are just a few of the ways that libraries are helping to engage both students and the public with the STEM subjects. If you are interested in creating a STEM makerspace in your school or public library, view our education or out-of-school case studies!

Until next time.

– Dr. Jake Roark