Sustaining and Enhancing Embedded Library Instruction in the Learning Management System

This panel will be a lively discussion of embedded librarianship in the online learning management system (LMS). Panelists will forego simply sharing the approaches of their own libraries and will instead pose a series of discussion questions about key issues of LMS embedded librarianship. Audience members will be active participants in the fast-paced, moderated conversation. Panelists will also share their perspectives about how best to enhance the role of librarians in online learning spaces

The Unspace Case: Developing a Maker Movement in a Multipurpose, Flexible Space, Library Setting

This paper presents the ongoing design, development, and implementation of a K-16 maker movement centered around a joint public school/university library whose minimal dedicated space has expanded opportunities for public participation, partnerships, and shared resources. As the library sought to circulate STEM resources for K-9 teachers and students in 2011, University instructors were seeking opportunities for preservice teachers to interact meaningfully with authentic, technology-rich environments. These separate endeavors coalesced over time to form a robust community of various school, university, and public stakeholders focused on mathematics and science learning. Because the space was not bound to a single physical location, proponents were able to leverage various resources, mobile tools, and settings to explore and apply STEM knowledge, construct products, and attract new and returning users. This design case articulates how the maker movement provides curricular programming while maintaining a playful atmosphere that encourages personal exploration regardless of age and ability

Making Friends and Buying Robots: How to Leverage Collaborations and Collections to Support STEM Learning

In a climate of increased interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), school libraries have unique opportunities to grow collections and cultivate partnerships in the sciences. At the federal level and in many states, STEM initiatives encourage hands-on exposure to technologies and open the door for student-led discovery of tools related to robotics, coding, programming, and electronics. Influenced by local STEM initiatives, the Learning Resource Center (LRC) at the University of Wyoming Lab School decided to create a circulating collection of STEM kits. (The UW Lab School is a tuition free charter school with a diverse population selected by lottery.) This school library also partnered with Lab School teachers to explore these STEM collections and to develop programming and a curriculum to teach digital literacies and STEM skills to students in kindergarten through ninth grade

Learning from Distance Faculty: A Faculty Needs Assessment at the University of Wyoming

Distance educators have special library needs. This article discusses the results of a library needs assessment of distance instructors at the University of Wyoming. Access to resources, use of library instructional services, barriers to distance library use, and perceived gaps in service are all addressed. Follow-up actions, based on survey results, are also discussed