Outreach: Green Mountain

As part of my role in Program Services, I'm finding out how I can best support the work done by branches. Today I had the opportunity to ride along on the La Center Librarian, Jurinda's outreach to Green Mountain School. 

This school houses 160 kids in grades K-6th grade. Jurinda goes out to read a story to the younger set and to let all the kids check out up to two books.

This very good girl greeted us in the school's front office. She is the principal's dog :D

Green Mountain is OUT there:

Maker Outreach: Circuits + Edison!

We were invited to participate in York Elementary's first Family STEM Night. They invited us because they heard about us from the Heritage High School Event.  We brought Circuit Blocks and Edison robots.

Attendees were K-5th grade and had the opportunity to sign up for two different topics.

I set up in a Kindergarten classroom. I felt like a giant!

 Because of the age range, I stuck with circuit blocks and the Edison Robots for this Outreach event. I heard from participants that 4th graders get experience with circuits, making them able to help the younger kids.  Fun fact, the 5th graders work with solar-powered car kits. :)

Our Edison robots are always fun and easy to mater in the few minutes we had for our sessions.  Half of them didn't work correctly. I'm hoping it's just because their rechargeable batteries are dead...

March 2019 Experiential Learning Round-Up!

Programming

Teen Tech is rolling along! 

District Partnerships

The next draft of the on-demand 3D printer certification training is currently under review by 3D Print staff. Feedback is due Friday, 3/29/19. A final draft will be out mid-April. The hope is to have this training live to the public by April 30.

Other 3D Printing news:
Ruth Bader Printsburg (VA’s 2nd printer) is dead. The district's 3D printer now has a permanent home as VA's 2nd printer.  The district got a Mini2 to replace Ruth. I am working on documentation for the new model and will coordinate its adventures around the district.

1. CATS and Program Services have agreed to have me as first contact for any issues with the 3D printer and Cura software. I will partner with IT when I need support.
2. We have a generic email address to communicate with the public on 3D printing matters. The email address is 3dprint@fvrl.org
3. Cura has been updated to 3.6.3 throughout the district. The big change is a firmware update, requiring reinstallation of the printer.
4. As part of the on-demand certification, we will not require every patron to attend Design/Open Lab before certifying. Many of our patrons have some experience with 3D printing through other means (school, work, hobby, etc).
5. As part of the on-demand certification, we will require all users to have their physical library card to check out the printer (formerly they could leave photo ID)
6. As part of the on-demand process, staff will scan in signed Certification Guidelines and add them to the Cert folder (in addition to adding the patron info to the cert spreadsheet).
7. The Cert Spreadsheet has been updated to keep track of branch use, instead of patron use.

   
   

   Still trying to wrap up some loose ends around VA and their 3D printing changes.

I assisted at Maker Wednesday @ LC on 3/13/19.

I led Intro to Ethical Hacking @ VA on 3/17/19 (6 attendees).

I joined staff meeting @ WS to talk about ASD and my role in Program Services. I also assisted in-branch for the duration of their meeting.

I worked with the All Staff Day Committee to begin narrowing down our food choices and identify needed information for our staff-led session proposals.

I am currently arranging VR Round 2 at all the branches for May/June, including an intro to the equipment for branches who missed out on the first round and a program on the VR app Medium, a 3D modeler that exports to STL for printing.

Community Partnerships

Clark College Engineering students are assisting with identifying and supplying tech specs on motors received from Free Geek as part of their non-profit grant partnership. These motors will be used in STEM programming around the district.

I attended a State Library planning meeting for VR in Libraries in preparation for the WLA-OLA Conference. I will be on-hand to talk about our experience as a Phase II library as well as facilitate Rift experiences for participants.

Lulzbot Mini Version 2

One of our Lulzbot Minis died. 💀  It started failing during calibration and I noticed the z-level was a bit off, but then it was suddenly WAY off!

And this thing cracked.

It had an issue a few months ago where a hole developed around the extruder, leading to filament oozing out.

We sent the extruder back to Lulzbot and they sent us a new one (I think we just barely slid in while it was still under warranty). It was a model we had it in-branch less than a year, too.😞  This time, IT decided it would be too expensive to send back to Lulzbot for evaluation and repairs. So, RIP, RGP.

My first choice would have been to buy an exact replacement and send it back out to the downtown branch to replace the broken printer. But... Lulzbot has retired the version 1 and now offers a new (and slightly more expensive) version 2.

Yep, it's still called the Mini. Yep, it still looks the same. Yep, it is just enough different to be troublesome for our newly implemented Certification procedures.

The death of our Mini 1 also sparked a conversation on how we should move forward with our 3D printing programming. Who should troubleshoot? Who should manage supplies? Who should bear the financial responsibility?

For now, we decided to send OG3D, the district's traveling Lulzbot Mini 1, to take the place of the dead Mini at our downtown branch. In its place, we're trying out the Mini 2 as our roving district printer. I figure this will give me some time to get to know the new model, write updated documentation, and spend some quality time thinking through the long-range plan of our 3D printers.

I have been working with the Mini 2 for just over a month. It's headed to a branch for the next few weeks. We'll see how it goes. I quickly threw together an unboxing and quick start training video for staff to refer to when they get stuck:

The main differences between Version 1 and Version 2 (that I've noticed): 1). a slightly larger printable area (you can actually print 6" pieces on this model. Our Version Ones only makes it to about 5:75," 2). an LCD screen with SD card slot,  3). an E3D Titan Aero, .50mm nozzle tool head, and 4). it is ssssooooo quiet!

The E3D Titan Aero tool head includes a different idler than the Mini1 hexagonal heads. It's a bit finicky to push forward and get the filament loaded correctly.  In the first month of using it, I got filament jammed into the printer more than once. The quickstart instructions from Lulzbot indicate to preheat the hot end, then hit the retract button (which was new to me). In the Mini1, you can heat the filament up to temp, loosen the idler and just kind of pull the filament out.   I tried the retraction method on the Mini2, but the filament was stuck.

I panicked...but only a little bit...

I looked up more resources and found a suggestion to preheat the hot end, extrude a little bit (as the filament in the hot end tends to pool around the edge of the extruder once cooled and then retract the filament up and out. That worked pretty well.  I ended up making a Filament Load video for staff as well:

Then I got filament stuck again!  ^ didn't work this time. I ended up calling Lulzbot Support. They suggested all the above steps and then told me to stop the fan on the left-hand side of the tool head so that the hot end heat will travel further up into the tool head and heat up more of the filament. I did this and it worked! 

I used to just snip the filament and leave a bit in the tool head when packing it up to send to a branch. I don't think I'll let filament sit in it anymore.

Fingers crossed it all goes well at the branch!

February 2019 Experiential Learning Round-Up!

I wrapped up the winter session of Girls Coding Club at VA.

I led VA’s 3D Certification workshop on Sunday, February 3. 18 community members participated in certification, including 3 minors with their adults. SLA Sarah shadowed this program and will continue the in-person certification workshop for March and April. Our goal is to have certification migrated to an on-demand option no later than March 31, 2019.

I led VA’s Intro to Cricut workshop on February 11. 8 participants joined us to learn more about this electronic die-cutting tool. Feedback from participants indicated an interest in a certification model similar to the 3D printer so they can use the equipment independently on personal projects.

I led VA’s RevReads: Virtual Reality program on Sunday, February 17. We had 30 attendees test out the Oculus Rift and Oculus Gos. A deaf patron explored the technology with interpretation by Kelsey Nakaishi. At one point, Kelsey was able to use the Rift’s controller to sign to the patron while he wore the headset. DUe to interest by staff, I left 2 Oculus Go’s and one Rift at VA for the remainder of February for staff to try out.

I led VA’s Learn2Code program on CoffeeScript. We had 2 homeschool attendees who did not have any experience with computer coding. We working through several challenges on PencilCode.net.

I have wrapped up my Game Design for VR curriculum in preparation for Teen Tech Month in March and April. We will focus on 3D game design using Oculus’ documentation for preparing content for testing on Oculus headsets. All branches will have an opportunity to host this program. Battle Ground will look into hosting an event after their refresh in April.

I have wrapped up scheduling for Program Services’ Summer STEM program “Mission Control: Mars Rover Challenge.” All the branches are scheduled to receive this program, including Yale.

District Partnerships

I am coordinating the VR equipment moves around the District. The headsets are headed to LaCenter on March 1 for Teen Tech Month and their RevReads program.  I have solicited feedback from the CP and VA staff to create a quickstart manual for the branches participating in RevReads programming. My goal is to plan one more VR program in May/early June for all the branches before the headsets head back to the state in June.

I am actively researching 3D printer replacement and maintenance plans, based on best practices from libraries with established 3D printing services. IT has determined VA’s 2nd printer is too costly to fix and are waiting on Program Services’ recommendation for a replacement. I presented on the 3D printer certification process at DMM on 2/20/19. This project is headed into the content-creation phase and should be ready for review by early March.

Community Partnerships

Program Services has been invited to participate in two STEM Nights: York Elementary on April 11 and Frontier Middle School on April 16.

I continue to prepare for my WLA-OLA preconference session on Learn2Code and Virtual Reality in libraries as well as the conference session on easy maker projects with Hillsboro and MultCo.

2019 Winter Girls Coding Club

The four girls who attended Fall 2018's Girls Who Code club were very enthusiastic and excited to come back in January. At the end of the Club, I 3D modeled and printed keychains for the girls and they were so excited by the idea of learning how to use the 3D printer that I decided for our next coding club we would work that in somehow.

Thinking more about the girls' diverse talents and interests, I thought we'd stray a little from the Girls Who Code model and provide a wider variety of STEM experiences. I am also aware that this club is a social interaction for the girls as well. 1.5-2 hours staring at a computer, trying to finish a project, was really difficult for this group who liked each other and only had this club to talk to each other IRL. I also knew I'd be working on several projects with the impending 3D printer distribution around the district, so I decided to tighten up the schedule a little bit.

I planned the Winter 2019 Girls Coding Club as a 6-week, 2-hour program, with the following topics:

Week 1: introduction, learn to solder (as per my SLA's recommendation)
Week 2: Art --> PencilCode & Processing
Week 3: 3D Modeling and Printing
Week 4:Web --> HTML + CSS & JavaScript
Week 5: Music --> Python
Week 6: Soft Circuits --> LilyTiny

When club started up again, our 4 girls returned, plus a friend who attended in Winter 2018, but missed Fall 2018, and a new member, Serenity. I heard from several of the returning parents that their girls (who met in club) had been texting each other since the last club ended, ready to start up again. SLA Taylor, and children's librarian Maggie joined me in this endeavor.

The first week was chaotic. The girls were high energy, excited to see each other again, and, as teens do, often spoke their own language. I think it was a bit intimidating for the people assisting. We spent the first part of the session having them talk about languages they have tried out, languages they would like to learn, and other ice-breaker-y type questions.
We then had them set up to solder. They settled right in to the task at hand, and we only had one badge that couldn't get finished. Pretty successful. :)

The second week, we did pretty well with PencilCode. Processing was more of a challenge for the girls and I lost a couple of them to Youtube/memes.

In Week 3, they were all very excited to learn about 3D printing and modeling. Some of them made successful models...some of them not so successful. But, I printed all of their objects and promised them glittery purple Rocktopodes if they finished their models. All came through :)

Week 4 was supposed to be HTML/CSS, but the girls didn't express much interestin this topic and/or already had experience with this. So, instead, I brought in the VR equipment on loan from the State Library and let the girls configure and work with the technology. They loved it (and I got some great experience for when I lead an intro session for adults a couple of weeks later).

Week 5 was supposed to be Earsketch, but the girls let me know they spent the first few weeks of the Winter 2018 Club working in Earsketch, so we decided to get started with our soft circuits. I brought in LilyTiny, battery holders, and LEDs and had the girls prototype circuits. I then had them practice stitching with conductive thread on fabric and an embroidery hoop. We also added a new member, Leilani.

Week 6: Instead of a party to celebrate a project they worked on over the past several weeks, we did our best to get a soft circuit project finished. I asked the girls what type of wearable item they wanted to work on for our final week and they indicated a hat. I found black hats for a decent price at the craft store and followed this Instructable on sewing them into a hat. We ultimately left out the Lilytiny and worked directly from the battery holder to the LEDs. It was actually pretty successful, but we left an insane mess to clean up in the morning.

This program is a lot of work, but so rewarding. Feedback from participants indicates that if VA does not offer another Girls Coding Club in Fall 2019, they will form their own club. Creating a welcoming and casual environment for these girls to meet, interact, and learn new skills has been a resounding success. The girls let me know they have been able to apply their soldering, printing, and coding skills in their classes.

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.