Welcome to the National Forum on Bringing Tech Smarts to Libraries! This project is sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services ($150,000).
About Us: Dr. Joe Sanchez (Queens College) and Dr. Jennifer Moore (University of North Texas) are teaming up to bridge the gap between computer science and library studies. We believe that computational thinking (CT) isn’t just for coders – it’s a crucial skill that can benefit everyone in their daily lives, careers, and education. Our goal is to create a space where librarians, educators, and experts from various fields can collaborate to integrate CT into library youth services courses.
Why It Matters: Right now, there’s a bit of confusion between how computer science defines CT and how it fits into Library and Information Science (LIS). We want to clear that up! CT skills aren’t just for computing – they’re for problem-solving in many areas of life. We believe that by integrating CT into library education, we can better prepare our youth for STEM proficiency and equip them with skills applicable to various aspects of their lives.
Our Approach: We’re bringing together a diverse group of faculty, pre-service librarians, and in-service librarians to create a practical framework for integrating CT into library youth services courses. The outcomes – like model curriculum, course modules, and class activities – will be shared on the Libraries Ready to Code website. We want to complement existing resources and make CT education accessible to everyone.
What’s In It For You:
- Librarians: Get ready-to-use resources and activities to make CT part of your library programs.
- Educators: Enhance your courses with CT skills that go beyond coding.
- Advocates: Use our materials for policy priorities and advocacy efforts.
- Everyone: Discover the real-world applications of CT in everyday life.
Making an Impact: Our initiative doesn’t stop at forums. We’re taking a multi-tiered approach, involving interdisciplinary faculty in curriculum development. This ensures that CT becomes a part of pre-service library graduate programs. We’re also creating resources for librarians nationwide to bridge the gap between CT and LIS. Our findings will be shared through journal articles, conferences, and other channels to reach as many people as possible.
Inclusion Matters: We’re committed to increasing access to CT, especially for underrepresented populations. By creating resources that resonate with diverse communities, we’re working towards a more inclusive future.
Join us in shaping the future of libraries by making computational thinking a part of every librarian’s toolkit! Together, let’s empower the next generation with the skills they need for success in an increasingly digital world.
