Non-profit global library cooperative OCLC has received a $249,710 award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to expand its National Leadership Grant project, Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces, to more small and rural public libraries across the US.
In the first two years of the project, OCLC partnered with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) to guide and support 15 small public libraries in 12 states as they applied principles of design thinking to create space for social, active learning at the library. Participating libraries completed an online training program led by WebJunction, OCLC's free online learning community for library staff; and received a $5,000 sub-grant for materials, equipment and furnishings for their reimagined space. One of the libraries, Madison County Public Library, has been recognised as Best Small Library in America 2018 by Library Journal; renovations to the library were supported by the Smart Spaces program.
A self-paced course, Making Space for Active Learning, and the libraries' transformation stories are now available on WebJunction.
The application period will open in January for small US public libraries interested in becoming a Smart Spaces library.
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