Thursday, November 24, 2011

More Libraries and Museums Set to Become Hands-On Learning Labs

via Hack Education by Audrey Watters on 11/23/11

Earlier this month, we covered the Fayetteville Free Library‘s new Fab Lab, the public library’s plans to build a “makerspace” where library patrons could gain hands-on experience using 3D printers and other tools and could take programming and “shop” classes.

It’s part of a larger movement to rethink and re-imagine what a public library will look like and what functions it will serve. While many people do see libraries solely as book repositories, it’s clear that the library is much more than that. For many, it’s an important community center and a place that offers access to digital tools and media.

A new competition sponsored by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and theJohn D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has just announced 12 winning libraries and museums that will receive $1.2 million in grant money help push the boundaries of what theseinstitutions look like, specifically helping to create facilities that are better “learning labs” for teens.

Read the rest of the story on MindShift

Photo credits: Flickr user tedeytan

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