STEAM Equity Site Support Notebook (for Partner Libraries): Programming Requirements

STEAM Equity partner libraries are required to promote and facilitate three intergenerational STEAM programs annually, with a particular focus on meeting the needs and interests of tweens and their families.

This section includes:

Programming Requirements

Libraries selected to host STEAM Equity exhibits are responsible for presenting at least three public programs, events, or activities related to the themes explored in the exhibition during your library's host term. These may include an opening event for the exhibition and/or educational programs and activities offered in collaboration with community organizations, schools, universities, community colleges, or government agencies. Any one of these programs may be combined with the opening event. All must be free to the public. Programs can take place in-person, if they can be safely accommodated, virtually, or with a combination of in-person and virtual components. In all instances, all programs must include a

live component with opportunities for audience engagement with the subject matter.

Programming Recommendations and Guidelines

ALA Connect Tutorial Video

STEAM Equity Orientation Recording

SciGirls Webinar: Deep Dive into Gender Equitably and Culturally Responsive Learning Environments

General Resources for Planning Virtual Library Programs from ALA

Use the resources below for general support in planning virtual programs, including platform suggestions, best practices, and other considerations.

Resource Lists:

Virtual Programming Resource Round-up: provides an overview of webinars, program models, and articles related to virtual programming

ALA’s Pandemic Preparedness Resources for Libraries: lists professional development resources related to COVID-19 and library response

 

Webinars/Online Courses:

Virtual Platform Possibilities: overview of different online platforms and considerations for which to use

Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) Bonus Module: Going Virtual: Technology and Facilitation Approaches for Online Conversations (NOTE: to access this module you will have to create a free ALA eLearning account and register for the full LTC course)

Evaluating Program Success in a World Gone Virtual: explores how to collect compelling program data and feedback in a virtual environment

 

Articles/best practices:

Presenting Virtual Library Programming in Uncertain Times: describes one library’s experience shifting in-person programs to virtual

Taking Academic Library Programs Online: COVID-19 & Beyond: lists types of programs and platform suggestions and ideas for converting them to online.

 

Handling Hateful Conduct

After the 2016 elections, there was a spike in reported hate crimes in American libraries. Consequently, questions about hate speech, the First Amendment, and patron behavior in the library are escalating.

The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services have prepared several resources to provide additional guidance for librarians struggling with issues of hate and intolerance. These resources include advice on how to proactively prepare your policies and staff to handle potential hateful conduct in your library:

STEAM Equity: Programming Resources

STAR Net STEM Activity Clearinghouse

The STAR Net STEM Activity Clearinghouse includes information about high-quality, vetted STEM activities that are appropriate for library use. You can search by audience, content level, and difficulty. Many activities in the Clearinghouse have pictures or videos of real libraries doing these activities.

Programming Librarian

ALA’s Programming Librarian website includes articles, program ideas and resource recommendations about STEM programming, such as the following:

Online learning

STEAM Equity project staff and advisors have created the following webinars for Partner Libraries and wider library field use.

Next page: Additional Programming Resources