2022 Innovation Project

The NEFLIN Board of Directors has awarded the following eight libraries with Innovation Project funding.

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Alachua County Library District: Family STEM Workshops

Award Amount:  $ 9,347.41

The Alachua County Library District seeks to develop a family STEM programming series called the Family STEM Workshop. The goal is to bridge the gap between Children/Teen programming and adult programing with this series. Using the concept of “Invention Literacy” coined by Makey Makey inventor Jay Silver, the series will give patrons hands on experience and knowledge in a positive and friendly environment. This series will serve as a jumping off point for adult patrons to get them more engaged with the library and the services provided.

Brevard County Public Libraries: Tech-To-Go

Award Amount: $9,815.24

The Tech-To-Go program will allow the Mobile Library to serve as an extension of the Creative Lab which is located at the Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library in Cocoa, FL. The Mobile Library will be retro-fitted with 5 workstations that will allow us to present a variety of Creative Lab programs to patrons who would otherwise be unable to participate. The Creative Lab allows patrons to show their creativity with the help of modern technology. Lab staff develops programming for children and adults, including STEM programs, Hour of Code, Basic Computer classes, and one-on-one tech help.

Clay County Schools: Immersive Learning through VR

Award Amount: $9,987.00

I am the Media Specialist at an elementary school in Green Cove Springs, Florida.  The school that I teach at is a Title I school where many of my students come from low-income households.  Over the past few years, my students have been touched by Covid 19.  The classroom looks different than it did even a few years ago and therefore students are learning in different ways than they did before.  Virtual Reality can create a learning environment where my students will be able to be immersed in their lessons.  This immersive learning will increase engagement and improve student’s retention. 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Launching an Open Textbook Press

Award Amount: $6,999.00

ERAU’s Hunt Library aims to launch a university-wide open textbook press using the PressbooksEDU platform.  The project will establish an open press hosted by Hunt Library that is user friendly, accessible, and includes valuable educational tools like integration with Canvas, multimedia, and interactive activities.  ERAU is a unique institution, specializing in niche STEM subjects.  Finding high quality and affordable materials can be a challenge.  By implementing PressbooksEDU, faculty can create high-quality materials at no cost for students without sacrificing effective teaching tools. Further, the materials created will be openly available for the greater educational community and students in perpetuity.

Jacksonville Public Library: Your Card. Your Way.  Print-on-Demand Library Cards.

Award Amount: $9,987.00

Jacksonville Public Library continues to seek innovative ways to engage customers while working towards the “Big Goal” of having 75% of Duval County households using or contributing to the Library by 2029.  During FY 2022, the Library will conduct a one-year pilot of Print-on-Demand (POD) library cards trialing self-service kiosks at three libraries selected based on card volume (one large and two smaller branches). Usage data compiled during the pilot will inform future rollouts to additional locations.  Jacksonville Public Library customers will be the first in Northeast Florida to be able to personalize and print their own custom library cards.

Keiser University Jacksonville Campus Library: Keiser Kits & Collaborative Zones

Award Amount: $8,855.00

Keiser students spend 4 hours in class, 3-5 days a week, with a major project due every four weeks- this on top of work and family obligations. They struggle with where to begin research projects and where to find study tools. Keiser Kits will be designed to give specific direction and will be displayed on 2 interactive screens located in the Library and Learning Commons. We propose this project will provide our students not only with the access and training to meet their immediate need, but also will give them experience to apply to future employment.

St. Johns County Public Library System: Culinary Literacy @ SJCPLS

Amount: $8,525.00

Culinary Literacy @ SJCPLS is a St. Johns County Public Library System program that allows participants to obtain, interpret, and understand basic food, nutrition, and cooking information. The program provides participatory hands-on food preparation, and teaches the competence to use this information in health-enhancing ways. It teaches nutritious foods, healthy eating, and how to identify food insecurities to avoid disruptive food patterns caused by a lack of resources. Workshops build competencies in communication, teamwork, and problem solving. This project provides equipment, curriculum, and supplies needed for participants to gain knowledge and use new skills outside the library.

Suwannee River Regional Library: Discovery Trail

Amount: $6,919.52

Suwannee River Regional Library’s project is for creating a Discovery Trail in Live Oak’s Heritage Park, available 24/7.  Twenty-two display stands will provide an innovative and enjoyable way for everyone to experience educational, artistic, and fun activities outdoors.  Each year a variety of books, local art, science, and local history displays will be designed and printed by library staff. Schools and organizations in our communities will be invited to collaborate. Each new exhibit will kick off with an opening event including various activities, organizations, artists, and local entertainers along the Trail, and related programs and displays in the libraries.

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