Have you ever felt lost? Or, do you love to travel and want to plan your next journey? You need a MAP! Maps are not only used for navigation and to get from one place to another, but they can also be used to learn more about a location, the creator of the map, or a particular time in history. The ability to read and interpret maps teaches spatial thinking and awareness as well as visual literacy and critical thinking skills. Reading and understanding maps can help to build empathy as users see and understand more about their own location and culture and how it relates to other cultures and locations. There are many ways to incorporate maps into library programming--map your favorite story, conduct a library treasure hunt using maps, create a map of your library or neighborhood, and, using primary sources, observe how locations have changed historically over time. Throughout the session, participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on map activities that can be recreated in library spaces. So, join us and map your own path at LibLearnX!
Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate an understanding of why maps are important in our global world and show how to read them as well as analyze them.
List digital and physical resources (including book recommendations!) that can be used for library programming to engage patrons of all ages with maps.
Access and use the Library of Congress' Sanborn Map collection to locate a map of interest to show how an area has changed over time.
Recognize how maps can be used to show discrimination and bias.
Engage in digital and physical map activities that can be recreated in public, school, and academic libraries for patrons of all ages.
