Librarians from Islamabad’s Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) were introduced to “makerspaces” and other new American library innovations and trends during a visit to the U.S. Embassy’s Information Resource Center (IRC) on April 29. About 30 CADD librarians participated and had the opportunity to turn fruit into electronic touchpads with the “MaKey MaKey” invention kit and build electronic circuits with “LittleBits.”
The CADD librarians were also the first people to use the IRC’s new 3D printer and printed a small keychain as to test the new technology. The librarians were enthusiastic about the activities and their potential uses for creating 3D models in math, science, and geology classes. Commenting on the program, Counselor for Public Affairs Christina Tomlinson said, “The technologies we’ve seen today have the power to revolutionize the way we make almost everything. The Embassy is thrilled to share these technologies with CADD librarians to foster creativity and encourage informal learning.” Information Resource Officer Marcy Carrel added, “Libraries are a natural fit for these activities because they allow for creative learning in an inclusive space.”
The U.S. Embassy’s Information Resource Center is a venue for building people-to-people connections between Americans and Pakistanis and provides books, magazines, and other materials about American culture and society. The IRC staff also oversees and guides the Lincoln Corners Pakistan program with 17 locations throughout Pakistan. For more information about the IRC and the Lincoln Corners Pakistan locations, please visit: http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/irc.html
