Trend of Collaboration in STEM Education in Informal Learning Institutions Based on IMLS‐funded Projects

ABSTRACT There is limited systematic research on understanding the trends of STEM education in libraries. While reviews of STEM education from various funding agencies exist, these reviews encompass STEM education across formal and informal settings, which may not provide specific implications that center around libraries. This paper examines the trend of collaboration among libraries and other collaborating organizations involved in STEM education funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Through content analysis and geocode analysis of 128 projects that are funded by IMLS in 2012–2022, this study shows the diverse engagement of different types of informal learning institutions in STEM education over time. Findings also demonstrate that while few informal learning institutions represented the leading and collaborating organizations in IMLS STEM education initially, leading and collaborating organizations diversified with a higher level of collaboration.