Page 111 - Demo

111
Enhancing awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in academic libraries: A Jamaican case study
It is widely accepted that highly prosperous, industrialised nations of the world generally invest heavily in science and technology, and that the progress of these industrialised or developed countries is directly due to innovations made possible by science and technology. There is a concern that not enough students in the United States and the Caribbean are being prepared to function in these areas. In Jamaica, the number of non-STEM professionals more than triple the number of STEM professionals; and STEM graduates from the two main tertiary educators in STEM fields account for less than 20% of graduates at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona and less than 50% at the University of Technology (UTech). Additionally, students’ performance in non-STEM subjects at the secondary level indicates the need for great improvement within STEM subject areas. A similar trend is also observed at the primary level. Notably as well, on the ICT index, Jamaica is yet to be positioned favourably. These and other statistics indicate the need for greater involvement of school administrators, curriculum planners, teachers and librarians in creating a learning and research environment that is more conducive to STEM. This paper highlights the role school librarians can play in advancing this cause. Using a case study approach, the paper highlights strategies that can be used to enhance STEM awareness and greater emphasis on STEM in school libraries.
The paper is unique in that
it is the first publication documenting local initiatives which Jamaican academic libraries can implement, and it is also the first publication highlighting the initiatives of a Jamaican academic library in promoting the STEM concept.
Recognising Outstanding Researchers 2016