“Exciting NASA Materials for Libraries” was a fantastic program! I love to hear scientists talk because they are so enthusiastic about what they do and as a result many of them are great at outreach. ALA Public Programs Office is sponsoring an exhibit in conjunction with the Space Telescope Science Institute (STSI), Smithsonian, and NASA called “Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery”. This traveling exhibit is an effort to take the public on a journey to show the progression through historical and modern observations of space and how our understanding of the universe has changed. Frank Summers, besides being a really lively guy, is astrophysicist at the Space Telescope Science Institute and curator of the traveling exhibit. He told us that 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, to mark the first time time 400 years ago that Galileo observed objects in space through a telescope. The international website is http://astronomy2009.org and NASA’s related website is
http://astronomy2009.nasa.gov.

The traveling exhibit is easy to set up and comes with pre-made bases and 6 double-sided panels. They are in the process of touring 40 libraries in 2009-2010. NASA made an effort to reach smaller libraries and the exhibit is free with small funding for programs. The application process has closed, but any library can download posters for their own use. NASA will also provide educational materials and help libraries get in contact with local astronomers to give presentations. These exhibits enable children (and those of us adults who geek on science) to have immediate access to science and trace the history of space observation.

Orion Nebula (NASA image from the Hubble Telescope):

Susan Brandehoff, ALA PPO, suggests visiting the Visions of the Future Site Support Notebook to get more information, images and resources for this program. PPO surveyed libraries that have participated in the exhibit to get their perspectives and comments reflected these outcomes: Astronomy as a subject attracts a diverse audience and strengthens library partnerships with local science organizations (also, NASA ambassadors can come to the library to speak for programs); the exhibit improved relationships with local schools; library staff and patrons learn more about astronomy; and it improved the profile of the library in its community.

Next up, Dan McAllister, Curriculum Specialist, also from STSI–”the home of Hubble” talked about the resources provided by The Hubble Education Program- Amazing Space. Some of these include Star Witness News (current stories about whats happening with Hubble that are readable at different age levels), Solar System and Galaxy Trading Cards, games, fast facts and other activities are all available on the Amazing Space website. Contact Holly Greathouse at 410-338-4968 or to get more info and some trading cards!

My own library system has collaborated many times with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and the programs are always a success, so definitely try out science programming at your public library if you haven’t yet.

There were some other cool resources mentioned but I will post them later because I’m all linked out at the moment!