Georgia Library Association, Public Library Division

Getting STEAMy in the Library

Oscar Gittemeier, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library

Elizabeth McKinstry, Gwinnett County Public Library

Elizabeth Puckett, Cobb County Public Library

What is STEAM?(and why it matters to your library)

S.T.E.A.M is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. STEAM and its older sister acronym S.T.E.M have become very popular

programming and display focuses for the library and education communities The A for art was added to inject some creativity and ingenuity (Koester

Full Steam Ahead 2013).

It could be argued that S.T.E.A.M and the accompanying buzz words are just a natural extension of the crafting and story time programs already present in

many public or school libraries(Koester 2013).

S.T.E.A.M has the possibility to strongly improve test scores and deliver knowledge with these types of programs. It is extremely possibly that it will

increase overall interest in the local library system. By peeking patron’s interest in new topics, a library has the potential to increase circulation of materials and increase foot traffic if patrons enjoy the programs. It’s hard not to enjoy messy

experiments or riveting sci-fi events.

Koester, A. (2013, October 1). Full steam ahead. School Library Journal,59(10), 22.List of Low cost STEAM activities used By Elizabeth Puckett https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B28QSf-O2wg3anF2RW45cFVqYnM&usp=sharingPinterest Link for Elizabeth Pucketthttps://www.pinterest.com/ExLibrisBettie/vinings-public-library/

Resource List