2020 INNOVATION PROJECT
The NEFLIN Board of Directors has awarded the following eleven libraries with Innovation Project funding.
————————————————————
Clay County Public Library: Smart Spots
Award Amount: $9,284.78
Smart Spots Hot Spot wifi devices provide internet access anytime, anywhere for students in Clay County. We will be focusing on areas that would normally lack the access to basic internet services due to location or income limits. Limited or no-access to internet puts those students at a disadvantage to other students by limiting their ability to finish homework assignments, school projects, and studying outside of our normal operating hours.
Clay County District Schools: Steam Maker Lab for Ridgeview High School
Award Amount: $9,951.37
Our goal is to provide opportunities for all of our students to develop their creativity and utilize technology that would otherwise not be accessible to them. We will transform our library’s study room into a STEAM Maker Lab, complete with virtual reality, video, music, and photo editing capability, digital art technology, and fabrication equipment. This innovation hub will be an interdisciplinary resource used by many teachers and classes as well as students seeking to broaden their skills and resourcefulness. After surveying our patrons regarding desired activities and tools, we believe this project will fill a great need on our campus.
College of Central Florida: Mobile Computer Lab: Bringing Library Instruction Within Reach
Award Amount: $9,465.87
A mobile computer lab will allow the College of Central Florida Library to bring instruction and research support to classrooms and meeting spaces on campus not equipped with computers, increasing the Library’s ability to reach more students and support campus partnerships. The lab will circulate with faculty providing an alternative to the use of the Library’s instruction lab which is in high demand with faculty teaching courses requiring a research component. A lab will also benefit campus partners involved in the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan efforts as they move around campus educating students on academic pathways and campus resources.
Columbia County Public Library: Sensory Storytimes for All
Award Amount: $5,787.04
The Youth Services Department at the Columbia County Public Library is seeking funding in order to obtain sensory play materials, special furnishings, and other supplies necessary to conduct sensory storytimes. These sensory storytimes will be specifically adapted for children who are on the autism spectrum, who have sensory-processing disorders, or who have similar conditions, as well as their families.
Florida State College at Jacksonville: OER Textbook Course Reserves and Collection
Award Amount: $9,996.00
College students are negatively impacted by rapidly escalating costs of course textbooks. Fortunately, academic libraries can collaboratively assist in reducing textbook costs by partnering with faculty to review, adopt, and adapt low/no-cost textbooks (OER). This project will allow the FSCJ Libraries to collaboratively create and provide customized OER textbooks that embed library information, links, and resources into each OER text. These texts will be available to faculty and students for in-library use and review. If developed texts ultimately meet the faculty’s quality and content standards, the texts may be adopted, potentially saving students thousands of dollars in educational costs.
Jacksonville Public Library: JPL StoryWalk® Project
Award Amount: $9,955.00
Jacksonville Public Library will create and install a StoryWalk® in a public park. A StoryWalk® is a creative way for children and families to enjoy the outdoors while reading at the same time. Pages of a children’s book are mounted on signs and placed along a path in a park and include engaging activities related to the book. Families can walk the path and read the story page-by-page, completing activities along the way. After a family completes a StoryWalk®, they can submit a response card electronically or manually to the Library for a free book.
Palmer College Health Sciences Library: Library 3D Anatomy Lab & Fabrication Center
Award Amount: $9,945.96
Palmer College’s students spend a considerable amount of time studying anatomy. A large portion of our library’s budget is spent on anatomical models which receive heavy and sustained use by our students. Obtaining production quality 3D printers – capable of replicating anatomical models, including the largest bones in the human body would be an innovative experiment that will help us meet the educational needs of students by:
1 – Creating new anatomical models.
2 – Printing flexible connective parts that may repair existing models.
3 – Involving students in the process that will enhance their knowledge of anatomy.
Putnam County Schools: The Innovation Station at Miller Middle School
Award Amount: $9,945.94
Miller Middle School is eager to embrace innovations to engage students in becoming creative problem solvers. The Innovation Station in Miller Middle School’s Library will be a collaborative workspace where students will have access to supplies and equipment to learn the engineering design process through hands-on, project-based learning. Students will progress through the design process using a variety of platforms including LEGO Education curriculum, Keva Planks, circuitry, micro:bits, Microsoft Hacking STEM lessons, and Maker Space Curriculum. Important skills including critical thinking, perseverance and collaboration are inherent when students learn through the use of project-based learning.
Three Rivers Regional Library: Homeschool Partnership
Award Amount: $8,000.00
We would like to start actively providing services to the Home Schooling population that we have not made an effort to help before. We envision working with a certified educator and local homeschoolers to provide resources including books and information guides, curriculum kits and programs.
University of North Florida: Multimedia Equipment Loan Program
Award Amount: $8,758.14
The Multimedia Equipment Loan Program at the UNF Thomas G. Carpenter Library will improve student success by providing access to high-quality audio and video recording equipment. The library will maintain and circulate the multimedia equipment; train students and faculty in the operation of the equipment, and publish student and faculty projects that support scholarship at the university. This project supports the purchase of a variety of equipment that will provide access to an engaging, interactive and creative learning experience and maximize the success of students.
Volusia County Public Library: Multimedia Centers
Award Amount: $9,386.85
Using three Apple MacBook Pro laptops with Adobe Creative Cloud software and three Wacom Tablets, we will provide access to creative multimedia centers in Volusia County Public Libraries. We can combine the laptops for teaching purposes. In addition, patrons can reserve them for individual use within the library. Adult and young adult groups will value the ability to access advanced graphic design software on specialty computers. From seniors creating a photo book, to teens adding effects to their movie, to community college students enhancing their graphic design portfolio, these multimedia centers will become creative hubs within Volusia County Public Libraries.
_______________________________________________________________________________
2019 Innovation Project: List of Projects Awarded Funding
2018 Innovation Project: List of Projects Awarded Funding
2015 Innovation Project: List of Projects Awarded Funding