STAR_Net brings inquiry-based STEM1 learning experiences to public libraries through two traveling exhibits, associated programming for library patrons, and a virtual community of practice for library staff and others who are interested in bringing STEM programming to libraries. In 2010, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a three-year grant to the Space Science Institute’s (SSI) National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) and its partners—the American Library Association (ALA), the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), and the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP)—to develop a hands-on learning program for libraries and their communities. Evaluation & Research Associates (ERA) conducted the summative evaluation of the STAR_Net project, investigating the implementation of the project and its impact on library staff and patrons. Methods included pre- and post-exhibit surveys administered to staff from each library that hosted the exhibits; interviews with staff from host libraries; patron surveys; exhibit-related circulation records; web metrics regarding the online STAR_Net Community of Practice; and site visits to five Discover Earth and Discover Tech libraries, during which patrons and library staff were observed and interviewed.
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