
Libraries as Community Resources for ISL
In this unit you will:
- Consider the functions and roles of your library as a community resource that fosters ISL
- Identify some of your community’s STEM interests that will help you make your programs relevant
- Determine the potential benefits and challenges of expanding your library’s capacity as an ISL resource
Customizing Pushing the Limits for Your Community
We all know that library programs have benefits and, at times, challenges – and ISL programs are no exception. Some of those challenges might be: generating community interest in the programs, helping people get comfortable talking about science, and finding enough common ground to stimulate good discussions.
The design of Pushing the Limits takes these possible challenges into consideration and provides a good “on-ramp” for ISL library programs. The second video in this unit highlights some of these program design features.
Program Design
Pushing the Limits provides multiple entry points for people to talk about STEM topics. Plus, it helps to break down stereotypes of science as inaccessible to the average person, and it unlocks opportunities for community engagement around STEM topics. In the process, your library becomes a center and catalyst for civic discourse about STEM issues in your community.
View the next video to see how STEM topics are presented in ways that are likely to engage adults in your community.
Everyone’s a Scientist
- Review the notes you made earlier in Pushing the Limits Themes and My Community. Add any additional thoughts you have at this point about your library as an ISL community resource.
- With that document nearby, join the Community of Practice discussion, “Unit 3: Expanding My Library’s Capacity as an ISL Community Resource.”
