Rolling for Conversational Initiative: Roleplaying out ways of engaging with STEM patrons

1- Short Session Description. (~100 words)

For many librarians who cover STEM areas it can often seem as though we are speaking a different language from our patrons, even those who have STEM backgrounds are likely covering topics they never studied in-depth. Through a scientist-librarian game and a share out from science librarians this session will aim to provide STEM librarians with tools and tricks for closing this gap and helping with deeper engagement with these patron populations.

2- Session Style/Format (e.g. lightning talks, make/hack/play session, etc.)

The session will be a combination of interactive, scientist role-playing, and panel discussions by science librarians

3- Takeaways: Describe any takeaways, skills, outcomes, and/or interactive elements!

Participants will learn a set of techniques for engaging with STEM populations, unique to the different populations

Participants will leave having attempted to view their interactions from the STEM practitioner's side via the role-playing element

Participants will leave feeling more comfortable with the language and culture of STEM fields

4- Organization. Fully formed (i.e. you have people in mind or chosen to co-organize) or will you initiate a CFP for co-organizers/presenters?

I will put out a CFB for STEM librarians, particularly ones who worked as STEM practitioners before becoming librarians. I do have a background as a mathematicians so will be able to cover that topic.

5- Contact Information - Name of primary contact + email!!!

Samuel Hansen Mathematics & Statistics Librarian University of Michigan

hansensm@umich.edu