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G2S Project Code: 2018-NV-81832
State: Nevada
Fiscal Year: 2018

Grantee
North Las Vegas Library District

Project Director
Director Name: Shelly Alexander
Director Phone: 702-839-2980
Director Email: salexander@cityofnorthlasvegas.com

General Information
Title: NLV Creation Station
State Project Code: 18-10
Start Date: 07/01/2018
End Date: 06/30/2019
Abstract: The NLV Library District created mobile Makerspace kits that could be rotated between our three branches to provide patrons with a wide variety of resources. The kits covered Coding, Engineering & Building, Multimedia & Robotics, General Science, and Tinkering. The purpose of the kits was to spark an interest and excitement in STEM learning/careers by providing hands-on experiences for our patrons. Some of the activities, like the Steam Spots and Creation Station Workshops were open ended and patron driven; allowing participants to explore with minimal staff direction, while others activities were instructor led classes, targeting specific concepts and skills. Our target audience was school aged children and teens, and the majority of programming focused on the 6 - 14 age group, although we also incorporated some preschool programs. The results were overwhelmingly positive, based on the number of families that repeatedly signed up for programs, the number of people that attend the programs and the positive comments that we received.
Project partners: Nevada Work Force Connections is an existing partner working with libraries on work force training/development. They recently provided one 3D printer and training for staff; because we utilized the grant funds to purchase the same 3D printers for our other 2 locations, the training covered staff at all branches. They also provided a STEM career booklet for kids, demos for staff on various equipment and assisted us in making purchasing decisions on the equipment selected.

State Goal: Goal 3: Nevada libraries will provide responsive and accessible learning environments that meet the needs of all Nevada residents

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$50,040.00

$0.00

$11,289.00

$61,329.00

Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Creation Station Classes
Narrative: The NLV Library District created mobile Makerspace kits that could be rotated between our three branches to provide patrons with a wide variety of resources. The kits covered Coding, Engineering & Building, Multimedia & Robotics, General Science, and Tinkering. The purpose of the kits was to spark an interest and excitement in STEM learning/careers by providing hands-on experiences for our patrons, aged 6-14. We held Creation Station Classes throughout the year that provided formal learning opportunities with active user engagement Many of the classes were taught by Engineering for Kids, a local STEM company that provided classes on Lego Robotics, chemistry, 3D printing, architecture and forensics. Other classes were taught by our librarians after utilizing the equipment and creating lesson plans for other staff to use. These classes included: Drones, Squishy Circuits, Leather Stamping, Shrinky Oinks, and Bristlebots. The lesson plans were saved on a shared drive and available to all staff.

Creation Station stories:

A regular patron came for a class but didn't want to go. The librarian tried to help, saying it would be fun. Finally, the mom promised if she didn't like it, they could leave. Reluctantly, the little girl went in. After, she came running out to tell the librarian that it was the BEST class EVER, and she needed to sign up for the next one!

A parent, who lived down the street, but had never been to the library, signed their child up for a class. They learned about our classes when they went to Engineering for Kids for a birthday party. The staff told them the public library had free Engineering for Kids classes. The dad was incredulous that he had driven all the way across town to find out that we had the same classes down the street.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 35
Average number in attendance per session: 27
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
For what ethnicity types: Black
Hispanic
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: North Las Vegas Library District
Address: 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North
City: North Las Vegas
State: NV
Zip: 89030
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 284
Agree: 66
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 266
Agree: 83
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 253
Agree: 90
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 7
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 317
Agree: 33
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 267
Agree: 76
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 7
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: 3D Printer Demonstrations
Narrative: The branches provided 3D printing presentations multiple times throughout each month. These presentations often coincided with other programs or activities when we had larger numbers of people in the building. It gave the librarians a chance to demonstrate how 3D printing worked, show examples of things we had made and explain how the designs were created on the computer. These impromptu presentations were very informal and the children and parents had time to ask lots of questions. It gave the librarians the chance to talk not only about the 3D printer, but they showed the audience print jobs that didn't turn out, and they discussed why it didn't turn out correctly. They were also able to discuss books or programs they might want to attend.

3D printer story:
If the 3D printer was on, a crowd gathered. The Aliante Library had a basket with 3D creations, some that worked and some that didn't. When the librarian was going through the creations talking about them, mistakes and all, one of the kids brought the librarian the sign-up sheet for an upcoming 3D printing classes and said, "Maybe you need to take this class."
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 30
Number of presentations/performances administered: 45
Average number in attendance per session: 6

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: North Las Vegas Library District
Address: 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North
City: North Las Vegas
State: NV
Zip: 89030

Activity Details
Title: STEAM Spots
Narrative: The library provided multiple activities/programs that were hands-on and user driven; STEAM Spots and Creation Station Workshops. STEAM Spots were activities set up in the library that provided written instructions, and patron were allowed to engage in an "open play" setting. Many of the activities were building activities; tinker toys, Magnatiles, popsicle connectors, however on days when we had teen volunteers available, we would set out more complex activities, littleBits, Ozobots and Cubelets. Since these activities involved coding and electricity, a little more explanation was necessary,. but participants were still encouraged to explore and create on their own. Creation Station Workshops were held periodically. These user driven workshop had multiple STEAM stations set up in our meeting room. Directions were provided on the tables, and a librarian was present to help and guide if necessary, but the object was really to let participants learn and explore on their own. Many families stayed for the entire 2 hours of the program.

STEAM Spot story: A family visited every Thursday because there would be a STEAM Spot. One week, the librarianwho handled the activities was on vacation. They asked, if there would be an activity. The fill in staff said they didn't know what to do, so the little boy who was probably 6, pointed to the storage door and said, "If you open that door, I can do it." Staff opened the door and the little boy got out the coding mouse and set it up. When kids came, he helped them. When they left, the little boy said he'd be back next week to help.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: In-person

Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 217
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 22

Partner Information

Activity Details
Title: STEAM Collection
Narrative: The library purchased a wide variety of materials and equipment to fit into each of our target makerspace areas: Coding, Engineering & Building, Multimedia and Robotics, Science, and Tinkering. Items purchased included: 3D printers, laptop computers, drone building kits, Lego robotics kits, a microscope & slides, geology rocks, a keyboard, tinker toys, Magnatiles, littleBits, etc. We also purchased storage containers to make transportation easier and to easily keep track of items. Books for both adults and children were purchased to compliment the activities: coding,
general science and 3D printing books were targeted areas. Books dealing with the makerspace concept were also purchased. The books were on display throughout the grant period to draw attention to our new STEAM programming, encourage check out, especially after programs, and get patrons excited about STEM in general.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical

Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 13
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 400
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0

Partner Information

Activity Details
Title: STEAM Collection Circulation
Narrative: Collection Development was a significant part of our project. STEM information is rapidly changing, so purchasing materials in the science and technology areas is imperative to keep information current. The library purchased materials in both the juvenile and adult sections, although juvenile materials were given a higher priority. Books were purchased in a variety of reading levels. Subjects included: 3D printing, robotics, makerspaces, computer books, rocks and mineral, the solar system and science fair books. While the majority of materials we non-fiction, some picture books were also purchased to engage younger children. The books were displayed at all branches, to encourage patrons to continue learning and exploring after they attended programs.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical

Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 400
Average number of items circulated / month: 35
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 0

Partner Information

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The NLV Creation Station was very successful based on survey results, comments and observation. 350 surveys were collected and 99% of the participants either agreed or strongly agreed with the LSTA Survey Questions: I learned something by participating in this library activity, I am confident about using what I have learned, I am likely to apply what I have learned, I am more likely to participate in a similar library activity, and I am more likely to use other library services and resources. Three additional questions were added to the surveys: Have you previously attended a STEM program, Is you child interested in a science career and Do you feel libraries are an educational resource? Because the surveys were anonymous, we couldn't track each participant to see if their perceptions changed, however we compared the first 5 months to the last 5 months. Repeat attendance went from 30% to 69%. Interest in science careers went from 50% positive to 68% positive. Viewing libraries as educational resources increased from 73% to 84%.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The surveys included a section for comments. There were many positive comments about enjoying the classes, thanking us for providing fun and educational programs for kids, but the comment that stood out the most was written by a child. It said, ''Thanks. When I grow up, I will be you!" The librarian asked who they meant, the class teacher or the librarian, and he said, "You the librarian, I want to bring really cool stuff to the library so kids can learn and have fun at the same time." A librarian my not be a traditional STEM career, but this child understood that libraries = education and fun.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
On the whole, we were very pleased with the outpuVoutcomes of this project: the programs were well attended, we saw an increase in the number of participants interested in STEM careers, we received mainly positive comments concerning the programming, and we received comments that showed participants viewed the library as more than just a place for books. The project was not without issues. Purchasing supplies was more difficult and time consuming than anticipated. This had to do with the City's purchasing policy. We were required to get quotes for certain supplies, sole source letters, and we needed to write justification letters for some of our purchases, and it definitely put things behind .in the beginning of the grant cycle. We lost two of our family services staff during the grant cycle, which impacted programming at one of our branches. That branch wasn't able to have as many classes and workshops as the other two locations. Surveys are not easy to get participants to complete. Many people took the surveys but turned them in blank or didn't turn them in at all. Staff spent time talking to parents and kids after the programming, to get more detailed information, but they weren't able to speak to everyone. Once the program was over, many people left immediately, or soon after checking out a couple books. The staff was lucky to speak with 3 or 4 people out of 25.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
Yes
Explain:
The libraries are continuing the Creation Station programs, although there have been some modifications. We no longer have specific STEAM spots. Those were set out once a week or so as a special activity. Since we no longer need to keep statistics on the use, the branches opted to place several of the kits on the shelves in the children's area, so that they can be utilized on a daily basis. They rotate the items every few months. The branches have continued to have monthly STEAM programs, utilizing the new equipment. The majority of the equipment is stored at one branch and the other branches, make requests to get the materials when necessary, rather than rotating it on a schedule. Mainly it's for storage reasons. The target groups remain the same, we offer the STEAM programs for school aged children and teens, with a few preschool programs. There is somewhat less formal programming in the branches, because we no longer have the funds for paid STEM programs, but the lesson plans that were created are still being used to provide quality programs. We recently hired a new assistant in the children's department and she was able to use the lesson plans to create several programs. She found the lesson plans very helpful.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative

Project Tags: