TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring “STEM-Readiness” in Public Libraries
AU - Shtivelband, Annette
AU - Spahr, Kimberly S.
AU - Jakubowski, Robert
AU - LaConte, Keliann
AU - Holland, Anne
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
©, Published with license by Taylor & Francis. ©, © The Author(s).
PY - 2019/11/17
Y1 - 2019/11/17
N2 - Many public libraries are offering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programing to their patrons. Using data from a national survey of public library professionals, the current study examined the growing STEM movement by measuring “STEM-readiness” and through the lens of Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Results indicate that most libraries are ready to implement STEM programing. Characteristics of STEM-ready libraries included serving more patrons, having more space, and engaging more often with STEM programing. Such findings suggest that public libraries that have access to resources are more likely to be STEM-ready; whereas, those with fewer resources may need additional support.
AB - Many public libraries are offering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programing to their patrons. Using data from a national survey of public library professionals, the current study examined the growing STEM movement by measuring “STEM-readiness” and through the lens of Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Results indicate that most libraries are ready to implement STEM programing. Characteristics of STEM-ready libraries included serving more patrons, having more space, and engaging more often with STEM programing. Such findings suggest that public libraries that have access to resources are more likely to be STEM-ready; whereas, those with fewer resources may need additional support.
KW - Diffusion of Innovations Theory
KW - STEM
KW - informal learning
KW - public libraries
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85073631025
U2 - 10.1080/01930826.2019.1661744
DO - 10.1080/01930826.2019.1661744
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85073631025
SN - 0193-0826
VL - 59
SP - 854
EP - 872
JO - Journal of Library Administration
JF - Journal of Library Administration
IS - 8
ER -