LIB LAB the Library Laboratory: Connecting with public institutions for education outreach

Broader impacts are an important and growing part of academic research and proposals, but how can we maximize our outreach and have the best possible impact? What tools do we have as researchers and educators to reach our local communities more effectively? LIB LAB: The library laboratory, a YouTube based engineering education series, has had great success in partnering with local institutions such as public libraries, school districts, fire departments, and even the Oregon Coast Aquarium to reach a large and diverse audience both locally and across the internet. In this talk, we will share my experiences working with large public institutions and offer suggestions for how to establish lasting partnerships to optimize your broader impacts. Specifically, we will focus on crafting a collaborative mission statement, and building report with community leaders to facilitate constructive communication and achieve your projected outreach goals.