Public Information and Communication
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
11:00AM CT on October 13, 2017
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Media Contacts:
Luke Robson, Governor’s Office, 402-471-1967
Mary Jo Ryan, Nebraska Library Commission, 402-471-3434
Media Release:
Gov. Ricketts Unveils Library Innovation Studios Makerspace Partnership
LINCOLN –
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that 18
Nebraska libraries will be the initial local participants in Nebraska’s
Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities project to create
library makerspaces. The Nebraska Library Commission was recently awarded a
National Leadership Grant of $530,732 by the Institute of Museum and Library
Services (IMLS) for this partnership project with the University of Nebraska
Lincoln (UNL), Nebraska Innovation Studio, Nebraska Extension, Regional
Library Systems, and local public libraries.
“This partnership demonstrates how our
Nebraska communities can use technology and education to empower community
residents to create, learn, and invent,” said Governor Ricketts. “By
expanding the skills of the workforce in our communities, supporting
entrepreneurs, and encouraging lifelong learning, this partnership
reinforces our vibrant business climate and supports community development.”
The project uses Library Innovation Studios
makerspaces hosted by public libraries to support community engagement and
participatory learning experiences by providing access to technology and
innovative learning tools not readily accessible locally. This is expected
to stimulate creativity, innovation, and the exchange of ideas to facilitate
entrepreneurship, skills development, and local economic development.
The Nebraska Innovation Studio—the UNL
makerspace—is the creative and collaborative hub of UNL’s Nebraska
Innovation Campus, where makers and builders team up to conceptualize,
prototype, and iterate projects that solve problems and influence change.
The primary focus is on creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration,
entrepreneurship, and education.
Nebraska Extension is one of three
components of UNL’s land-grant mission. It is a dynamic educational
organization that puts research to work in local communities, businesses,
and individuals’ lives. Extension professionals are recognized for subject
matter competence, excellent teaching skills, and community presence. They
live and work in Nebraska communities across the state and engage with local
and state partners in educational program delivery to address critical
issues identified by constituents.
The initial local library partners that
will host one of the four rotating makerspaces are:
·
Ainsworth
Public Library
·
Ashland
Public Library
·
Bridgeport Public Library
·
Broken
Bow Public Library
·
Central
City Public Library
·
Crete
Public Library
·
Geneva
Public Library
·
Loup City
Public Library
·
Nebraska
City, Morton-James Public Library
·
Neligh
Public Library
·
Norfolk
Public Library
·
North
Platte Public Library
·
Plattsmouth Public Library
·
Ravenna
Public Library
·
Scottsbluff, Lied Scottsbluff Public Library
·
Sidney
Public Library, Special Model Program Partner
·
South
Sioux City Public Library
·
Wayne
Public Library
Twelve additional libraries will be
selected in 2018 to host makerspaces in 2019/20. This project began July 1,
2017 and will conclude June 30, 2020. For more information about the project
or equipment that will be featured in the rotating makerspaces, see
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/InnovationStudios.
“Nebraska’s public libraries are the
natural gathering points for people to come together to share materials,
knowledge, and experiences,” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod
Wagner. “Whether the materials and tools are high tech or low tech, digital
or analog, art or science, the focus is to create, invent, tinker, explore,
and discover using the tools, materials, and knowledge available. Libraries
have always been dedicated to community partnership, collaboration, and the
free exchange of ideas—makerspaces are the next step in that progression.”
“UNL and Nebraska Innovation Studio are
extremely excited to be partnering with the Nebraska Library Commission and
libraries across the State of Nebraska to help bring hands-on learning
experiences to Nebraskans of all ages,” said UNL Nebraska Innovation Studio
Founder Shane Farritor. “I think it is very important to provide the
opportunity to be creative and this partnership is going to create new
opportunities,”
“As centers of learning and catalysts of community
change, libraries and museums connect people with programs, services,
collections, information, and new ideas in the arts, sciences, and
humanities,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “They serve as vital
spaces where people can connect with each other. IMLS is proud to support
their work through our grant making as they inform and inspire all in their
communities.”
As the state library agency, the Nebraska
Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of
all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide
promotion, development, and coordination of library and information
services, bringing together people and information. The most up-to-date news
releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the
Library Commission website,
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
Nebraska’s Regional Library Systems are
four non-profit corporations governed by boards representative of libraries
and citizens in the region. Systems provide access to improved library
services by facilitating cooperation among all types of libraries and media
centers within the counties included in each System area.
The Institute of Museum and Library
Services is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. IMLS is the primary source of
federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Their
mission has been to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation,
lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. For the past 20 years,
their grant making, policy development, and research has helped libraries
and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities
and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit
www.imls.gov and
follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. (Grant #LG-95-17-0046-17)
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission
is an advocate for the library and information needs of all
Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide
promotion, development, and coordination of library and
information services, “bringing together people and
information.”
###
The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library
Commission are always available on the Library Commission
Website,
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.