Exploring STEM Learning Information Sources for Rural Children and Caregivers

Abstract

An understanding of how people seek and use information is foundational to the development of public library services. This poster explores what information sources rural caregivers seek out to support children’s STEM learning in their everyday life and at public libraries, and the level of trust towards the information sources. We conducted a case study of 20 rural caregivers with children (5-11 years) from five different States. Online surveys were distributed, asking participants to rate the level of trustworthiness for each information source they seek out when they support children’s STEM learning. The survey also asked participants to share how they use the public library for STEM learning by sharing specific anecdotes and describe the reasons for using or not using the library for STEM learning. Preliminary findings provide insights into the relationship between the most frequently used and the least trusted information sources that rural caregivers seek out to support their children’s STEM learning. The findings further guide LIS researchers and practitioners in designing public library services and programming for rural communities with valid and reliable sources of information for STEM learning.