June 13, 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Tessa Terry
402-471-3434
800-307-2665
Nebraska Library Innovation Studios Makerspace Partnership
The five final Nebraska libraries have been selected
to host Nebraska’s Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural
Communities makerspaces. They join the 26 initial libraries chosen in
October, 2017 and December, 2018. The Nebraska Library Commission was
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.
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 newly selected library partners that will host
one of the four rotating makerspaces are:
· La Vista Public Library
· McCook
Public Library
· Superior Public Library
· Nelson Public Library
· Lied Pierce Public Library
They join those selected over the last two years:
· Plattsmouth Public Library
· Ainsworth Public Library
· Ashland Public Library
· Crete Public Library
· Loup City Public Library
· South Sioux City Public Library
· Neligh Public Library
· Broken Bow Public Library
· Bridgeport Public Library
· Norfolk Public Library
· North Platte Public Library
· Ravenna Public Library
· Lied Scottsbluff Public Library
· Wayne Public Library
· Geneva Public Library
· Central City Public Library
· Nebraska City Public Library
· Kimball Public Library
· Beatrice Public Library
· Hastings Public Library
· Chadron Public Library
· Blue Hill Public Library
· Hastings Memorial Library, Grant, Nebraska
· Plainview Public Library
· Verdigre Public Library
· Laurel Community Learning Center
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.”
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 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 twenty-two 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)
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.
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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 .