Maximizing STEM Education Initiatives on a Minimized Library Budget

Abstract

This article provides practical suggestions for making opportunities for STEM education partnerships and programming, despite the funding struggles of many academic libraries. With the pressure from internal and external funding avenues, academic libraries must create an environment where libraries and librarians reach out in order to drive buy in for library programs, services, and support.  Using the book budget cuts and serial subscription reconfiguration at the University Libraries of the University of Memphis as a jumping off point, this article explores creative but necessary strategies for connecting with students, faculty, librarians and others engaged in STEM education. The creation of the Center for Research and Innovation for STEM Teaching and Learning (CRISTAL) at the University of Memphis presented a critical opportunity for engagement with the libraries. Points of discussion include how the University Libraries became involved with CRISTAL, the ways the CRISTAL has driven its engagement with our Libraries, resources implemented to broaden the impact of this relationship, literature supporting the approaches and opportunities related to such collaborations, and our plans moving forward. This article also includes suggestions for how such opportunities might present, and might be embraced, at other institutions, whether you have a CRISTAL or not.