Consent 1.G.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 02/22/2016
- TITLE
- Acceptance of Post Emergent Makerspace Sub-grant from the National Writing Project
- PRESENTED BY:
- Bill Cochran
- Department:
- Library
Presentation:
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
| The Billings Public Library was awarded a $5,000 sub-grant from the National Writing Project to participate in a problem-solving exercise for organizations with maker spaces. A maker space is a public space equipped for do-it-yourselfers to create and learn. The Library opened the TECH Lab in June of 2014 for teens to learn 21st century digital literacy skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). It is an after-school learning space staffed by one librarian where teens participate in instructor-led workshops and pursue independent projects. Equipment available for teen projects includes robotics, film and still cameras, 3D printers, vinyl cutter, computers for coding and design, circuitry kits, sound booth and iPads. By accepting the sub-grant and committing to the 7-month problem-solving exercise, the Library intends to focus on one issue - staff development. This will increase the number of staff trained on the use of the equipment, allow staff to more fully utilize equipment to provide more advanced activities to all ages of patrons and educate staff on the concepts of connected learning - connecting information learned in school with outside-of-school activities. Local professionals will instruct a core group of Library staff with hands-on activities meant to increase knowledge of the equipment. This core group will read appropriate literature, learn from each other, and participate in a national network of learning labs to cull ideas from leading organizations across the nation. |
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
City Council may:
- Approve acceptance of $5,000 sub-grant, or;
- Not accept the sub-grant.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no budgetary impact as the staff development will be paid by the sub-grant. However, the skills of Library staff will be strengthened, improving digital literacy services offered to all ages.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the $5,000 sub-grant from the National Writing Project.