Cornerstones of Science

BUILDING CAPACITY:Institute of Museum and Library Services STEM Equity Framework Project was awarded in September of 2021. This 30-month project is designed for library directors, and their leadership teams, that recognize the need for, and are interested in, focusing on inclusion-centered leadership skills and competencies requisite for creating a library that is responsive to community well-being (especially in communities that are marginalized) will be completed in November 2023. There are two core elements for creating libraries that are responsive to community wellbeing. There are two parts to this project: 1) nurturing inclusion-centered practices, policies and attitudes needed to create an equitable library services and programs for all community members and 2) focused on adult learners and access to on-demand actionable science information in order to immediately act upon, resolve, and/or improve something that impacts the quality of their lives and that of their families. A total of eleven libraries are participating from: MA, CT, TN, TX, NM, IN and ID.

TELESCOPE:Library Telescope Program has been discontinued and no longer supported by Cornerstones of Science. The ramifications of COVID-19 significantly diminished library participation in the program. In addition, prices and changes made to the telescopes, by our suppliers, made it cost prohibitive to libraries as well as significant organizational capacity, by Cornerstones, would have been required in order to align with the changes made to the telescope.

TEST OF WATER KIT:Revisions and Updating of NLM_Cornerstones of Science Test The Waters Kit (Class Science Products) Activity Guide and Creating of Regional Water Quality Sheets - A collaboration with National Libraries of Medicine, started in 2019, 510 kits, developed by Cornerstones of Science, focused on the role and importance of water quality on the health, environment and wellbeing of families, were distributed by the University of Iowa to National Library of Medicine members (public libraries) nationwide. NLM_Cornerstones of Science Test The Waters Kit Initiative was initiated in 2018 where 510 kits were developed and distributed to public libraries in all states nationwide. A series of hands-on experiential activities focused on the role and importance of clean safe drinking water has on our health, environment and lifestyles. The kit Activity Guide is translated in 5 languages (Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean and English) as well as it is suitable for the visually impaired and blind users. The kit is in partnership with the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. We recently completed a pilot where 100 Hispanic/Latino families used the kits and provided feedback and provide a better understanding on the impact and implications of the kit from diverse cultural perspectives. Cornerstones revised the Test The Water Family Guide, created regional Water Quality Sheet and updated all other information that will be posted on the National Network of Libraries of Medicine website httpsallofusnnlmgovtestwatersfami... .