Librarians Leading Change: Informal Learning Spaces and the Interception of Public Libraries and STEAM

Public libraries throughout the United States are increasingly using technological platforms to provide information resources to students across socioeconomic environments. Advances in technology have affected the way in which we learn with the advent of online learning, e-learning and shared learning experiences that have become ever present in schools and libraries. How relevant is the public library in the initiatives that are directly related to the much-needed support of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM)? This study explores the public library as a free, public space for informal learning and the democratic ideals of success as it relates to science education, achievement, and national innovation. The purpose of this study was to determine the challenges that the public library experiences in the implementation of STEAM programs, strategies, and practices employed by the public library in managing the implementation, and how the public library measures success in the process. The questions explored are an (a) examination of best practices in developing strategies for implementation and the challenges that public libraries face as they relate to the implementation and development of STEAM programs, (b) the challenges that public libraries face as they relate to the implementation and development of informal learning programs focused on STEAM, (c) how public libraries measure success within informal learning programs related to STEAM, and (d) what lessons have been learned in the development of informal learning spaces focused on STEAM in the public library