Presented at GaCOMO15 by Oscar Gittemeier, Elizabeth McKinstry, Elizabeth Puckett. Check out all the amazing STEAM resources available to public librarians. This presentation provides a free resource packet of ideas for every budget.

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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=sharing
Pinterest Link for Elizabeth Puckett
https://www.pinterest.com/ExLibrisBettie/vinings-public-library/
Resource List