January 2019 Experiential Learning Round Up!

 The biggest change in January is that I have moved from the Vancouver Community Library into Program Services. I've retained my Experiential Learning librarian title, though. I'm working to provide STEM/making support to all the branches, especially those on the fringes of our district with fewer staff members and time to provide this type of programming.  Luckily, I have retained some of my programs at the downtown branch, so I'm not really gone from there, either.

Programming
I am assisting VA with the winter session of Girls Coding Club. 4 of the 6 girls have participated in all of VA’s Girls Who Code programs. The girls attend different schools but have been eagerly waiting for this program to start back up so they can work together. Feedback from the participants indicates that their coding competency is higher than their peers in formal coding classes in school in that they have moved beyond block-based coding. I have created a custom curriculum for this session of Girls Coding Club. Our first sessions have focused on soldering, CoffeeScript and Processing, and 3D Design and printing. This program continues until February 20, 2019.

I am working with VA to create a sustainable 3D printing program. The monthly Intro to 3D Design hosted 25 participants as well as (CP) and (LC). We are currently focusing our efforts to get more full-time SLAs comfortable with the technology and leading workshops with the hopes of offering a 2nd Intro to 3D Design workshop in May 2019. I will work with VA SLAs to pass off the 3D printer monthly certification program on February 3.

I have scheduled Teen Tech Month for March-April at all branches. I am currently working on the curriculum to introduce teens to game design engines and creating applications for virtual reality.  My goal is to offer a STEM program to all branches on a quarterly basis.

District Partnerships

I continue to work with branches on 3D printer training. In January, I trained 12 more staff members: all LC staff during their closure, one staff member from WD, and several more SLAs at VA. I am planning a similar all-staff training during BG’s refresh. There was some confusion between WD and LC on whether they will be sharing the 3D printer or not.  I wasn’t sure who to direct them to on this matter.

I am currently working on a follow-up meeting for VA, LC, BG, CP, and TC in May to start working on best practices for 3D printing programs and services.

As 2019 ASD Chair, I have been visiting branches to gather feedback on this event and the type of training they want to see at this in-service day. Branches visited in January: Tech Services, BG, GD, ST, RI, TC, WA.  During this meeting, I have also discussed my Teen Tech Month plans and goals to assist with branch programming/outreach. Feedback from GD indicated they were unaware of the RevReads VR programming. I have offered to take the VR equipment back up to their branch in May for an all-ages intro to the equipment. I will continue dropping into staff meetings through February.  I would also like to arrange a ride-along with the bookmobile.

I am partnering with LC to assist with the monthly Maker Wednesday program and monthly Green Mountain visits, beginning Feb 2019.

I am working with BG to plan a 3D printing program for the 10-year anniversary celebration in May 2019.

Community Partnerships
I am currently working on curriculum for a half-day pre-conference session at WLA-OLA on coding tools and platforms for librarians.

I am partnering with Multnomah County and Hillsboro Public to lead a maker session at WLA-OLA.
I submitted two projects for inclusion in the forthcoming ALA publication 50 Kawaii Craft Projects for Libraries.  My projects focus on 3D modeling and printing cute school supplies and creating cute iron-on vinyl for bookbags using open source graphic design software and electronic cutting tools.

A VA Librarian and I met with City of Vancouver’s Fifty and Better Program regarding tech training needs for Community Center members. We learned about several on-going programs at Firstenburg that could use additional assistance, including a popular mobile devices workshop. The City indicated that the Marshall center is particularly in need of more tech workshops for the public.

I interviewed with Pima County Public Libraries (AZ) as a site spotlight for YouMedia Learning Labs Network. YouMedia is a Community of Practice for museums, schools, and libraries hosted by the Association of Science-Technology Centers. Desiree Wolcott-Cushman (Multnomah County) recommended me to YouMedia Labs as an example of providing creative, transformative and dynamic opportunities for digital inclusion and expanded opportunities without a dedicated space.  FVRL’s maker activities will be highlighted alongside the Museum of Virginia, New Orleans Public, Kansas City Public, Dallas Museum of Art and more.  YouMedia Site Spotlight Archive.