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Peer-reviewed article

Reimagining the role of school libraries in STEM education: Creating hybrid spaces for exploration

April 1, 2011 | Media and Technology, Public Programs, Informal/Formal Connections
In recent years, many technological interventions have surfaced, such as virtual worlds, games, and digital labs, that aspire to link young people's interest in media technology and social networks to learning about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) areas. Despite the tremendous interest surrounding young people and STEM education, the role of school libraries in these initiatives is rarely examined. In this article, we outline a sociocultural approach to explore how school library programs can play a critical role in STEM education and articulate the need for research that examines the contributions of school libraries as potential hybrid spaces for STEM learning. We propose that school library programs become active participants in STEM learning through the specific roles that school librarians currently play in schools, such as information specialist, instructional partner, and technology ally. We also highlight how these roles can be tailored to helping young people develop STEM identities.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Mega Subramaniam
    Author
    University of Maryland
  • 2014 07 15 headshot2
    Author
    University of Maryland
  • Kenneth Fleischmann
    Author
    University of Maryland
  • Allison Druin
    Author
    University of Maryland
  • Citation

    Publication Name: Library Quarterly
    Volume: 82
    Number: 2
    Page Number: 161
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Education and learning science | Engineering | General STEM | Mathematics | Technology
    Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | Middle School Children (11-13) | Youth/Teen (up to 17) | Educators/Teachers
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Public Programs | Library Programs | Informal/Formal Connections | K-12 Programs

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