2018-06-29 SPLAT Curiosity Report: Volume 1, Issue 3
Featured Story
FabSLAM: Libraries and Technology Come Together as the Great Equalizers
ALA article from Princh entitled Public Libraries: The Great Tech Equalizers: Quote As technology continues to drive nearly every facet of our lives from drones to 3D printing and to self-driving vehicles, patrons of all ages, races, and income levels are coming to public libraries in record numbers to learn more about these emerging technologies and how they will impact their lives. (Ida A. Joiner, Librarian, Universal Academy School)
Have you ever wondered what more you can be doing to promote equality in your library? One idea is to get involved with various Idaho STEM Action Center activities. On March 10th the libraries of Southeastern Idaho participated in FABSlam in which teams from local schools and libraries entered into competition to use a 3D printer to solve a real world transportation problem. The involvement of each library looked a little different. For example, 2 youth services librarians from Marshall Public Library served as judges; Gooding Public Library, who works in collaboration with the local schools, allowed a group from the junior high to use their printer in order to participate; Oneida County District Central Library put together their own team to participate. 3D printing is being used to solve problems in many major areas: from 3D printed houses to 3D printed prosthetic limbs. We, as library folk, should be as involved as we can be bringing this type of technology to our communities so that everyone has equal access to it.
Recommended webinar: The Future is Now: Rural Library as Innovation Incubator (http://learn.webjunction.org/)
Fail Forward
We’ve all been there. You pour your heart into a program, and no one shows up. You try something new, and you fall on your face. Sound familiar? Fail Forward is the place to share your failures, and give you the opportunity to share what you learned from them. Did you promote your program in a different way after no one showed up? Maybe you took a new approach to the new thing you were excited about? Awesome! Share your story via our online form so others can learn, and realize that failure is often part of the process.
Mixed-up Orders
My most recent failure was mixing up a book order. After spending a week putting together the orders for our district’s elementary schools, somehow one order was heading to the wrong school. I called the customer service line as soon as I realized, but I was only able to cancel part of the order. Now I am not really sure who is getting what, and what will need to be returned to the company. Next time I am going to triple check the order before I hit send. Ordering online is so convenient, but not wholly fool-proof.
Crush Corner
Is there a library you follow on social media who is always doing new and exciting things? How about a blog you follow that inspires you in the work you do? Library Crush Corner is a place for those working in Idaho libraries to share what inspires them, and who they’re crushing on… in a professional sense. Share your story via our online form so we can publish it in a future issue!
University of Idaho Library
My Library Crush is the University of Idaho Library. I love to see what their patrons are up to when they post their white board questions on Instagram. Since they have had construction projects going on for the last year, their Instagram has tons of sneak peeks of their lovely renovations! Also, check out their makerspace, the UIdaho Mill for the exciting projects U of I students are creating.
SPLAT explores new ways to build capacity and support library folk as they serve their communities. Library folk throughout the state of Idaho volunteer to serve on the Special Projects Library Action Team (SPLAT). Learn more about SPLAT at splat.lili.org
SPLAT is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and is funded in part with a federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LS-00-17-0013-17). The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.