Natural Connections between Museum Libraries, Education, and Visual Literacy
Both the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are fortunate to have dedicated education libraries open to the public. Anna Elam, the Seattle Art Museum’s Wyckoff Teacher Resource Center (TRC) Librarian Educator, will lead a discussion to explore connections between museum libraries and museum education for successful, engaging programming. The session will begin with two educators at SAM giving short descriptions (15 minutes) of how they work with the TRC: Anna Allegro, Manager of School & Educator Programs, will explore using TRC books and education objects in docent-led tours and books, audio/visual resources, and the Outreach Suitcase program in educator trainings; and Lindsay Huse Kestin, Museum Educator for Teen, Family, and Multigenerational Programs, will outline how TRC resources support summer camps and art-activity spaces. Anna Elam will summarize with suggestions for foraging relationships with education staff (10 minutes). Leah High, Public Services Librarian at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, will introduce picture books as tools librarians, educators, and families can use for developing visual literacy and art appreciation (15 minutes). The moderator will guide attendees in a brainstorming activity outlining potential collaboration points and program ideas for their institution using strategies outlined in the session (10 minutes). We will end with questions from the audience for all session presenters (15 minutes). Session attendees will leave with concrete strategies for successful programs.
SpeakerAnna Elam, Ann P. Wyckoff Teacher Resource Center Librarian/Educator, Seattle Art Museum
Anna Allegro, Manager for School & Educator Programs, Seattle Art Museum
Lindsay Huse Kestin, Museum Educator for Teen, Family, and Multigenerational Programs, Seattle Art Museum
Leah High, Public Services Librarian at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
