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G2S Project Code: 2015-NM-75872
State: New Mexico
Fiscal Year: 2015
Grantee
New Mexico State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Deanne Dekle
Director Phone: 505-476-9705
Director Email: deanne.dekle@state.nm.us
General Information
Title: Digital Literacy
State Project Code: 601196
Start Date: 07/01/2015
End Date: 09/30/2016
Abstract: The LSTA digital literacy project is to promote digital literacy among the public and improve library capacity to offer meaningful engagement with technology through "maker" programs, tools and events as part of the NM Makerstate Initiative.

The goal of the New Mexico Makerstate Initiative is to excite NM communities about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). The Makerstate Initiative encourages participants to reclaim New Mexico’s rich heritage of making, and introduces exciting new technologies in a fun and accessible way. The New Mexico State Library promotes digital learning opportunities for kids, teens, and adults. These hands-on programs expose patrons to new technology, as well as build a fundamental understanding of how electronics work. 
State Goal: Goal 2. Support the increase of literacy skills and provide information access in a variety of formats for New Mexicans’ personal, educational, and professional reading needs to enable them to participate fully in their community and wider society.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$8,583.27
$0.00
$0.00
$8,583.27
Intent(s)
Improve users' formal education.
Digital Literacy
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Pop Up Maker Events
Narrative: The Makerstate Initiative delivers "pop up" maker events at public libraries statewide. These 1-3 day workshop style events incorporate digital exploration of programming utilizing Scratch, a free programming language developed by MIT; invention kits such as Makey Makeys and Little Bits; Arduino microcontrollers; and Raspberry Pi's, credit card-size computers. Other events focus simpleer electronic projects such as paper circuits using copper tape and LEDs; sewable electronics, such as the LilyPad, a microcontroller board designed for wearables and e-textiles; and a variety of diodes.

More complex programs incorporate 3D printing.  Items to print are sourced by scanning both objects and event participants, as well as using free online resources, such as Thingiverse and Tinkercad.

We presented 32 programs in 18 communities which were attended by 2,576 participants.
Intent: Improve users' formal education.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 300
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 86
Number of times program administered: 32


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 18
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important findings or outcomes from your project:
Patrons & libraries continue to be excited by the the programs. Thus far, 3D printing is the most requested program at 51%. Other pop up makerspaces accounted for 25% of the programs; Circuitry and ex-textiles were 14%. Other various programs accounted for the remaining 10% of programs. The Makerstate Initiative has garnered national attention, including recognition in 3 scholarly articles, featured as an IMLS project profile, and staff included on a panel talk at the YALSA conference in November 2015. In June 2016, Makerstate Initiative Coordinator, Alexandra Burnquist presented at the 2016 Capitol Hill Makerfaire.
Please briefly describe importance of findings:
This demonstrates New Mexico's success in implementing a statewide program, that truly affects people within the state, but also leads in the national conversation on STEAM in the informal learning environment.
What methods did you use to determine your findings? Check all that apply:
Review of Administrative Data
Based on outputs, outcomes and/or other results, explain any significant lessons learned from these findings for either the SLAA or others in the LIS field:
Patrons and librarians show a strong desire to continue their lifelong learning in the area of digital literacy. Beyond basic computer service, the popularity and continued support for these programs demonstrates the need to support the fundamental development of learning for new technologies.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort:
Yes: We will continue with direct programs as well as add in sub-grant opportunities for libraries.
Do you anticipate any change in the project's scope:
No
Do you anticipate any other changes in the project:
No
Exemplary: Yes
Exemplary Narrative
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