Exploratorium Online: Exhibit-Based Science Learning and Teaching Digital Library

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The Exploratorium, a hands-on science museum, is developing Exploratorium Online, a digital library collection for lifelong learning. The project is 1) identifying, selecting, and cataloging existing digitized assets from the museum's 650 interactive exhibits for end users of all ages; 2) establishing digital library interoperability mechanisms to enable the widest dissemination of item-level metadata to NSDL portals including the central main portal; 3) creating recommended guidelines for cataloging digital exhibit-based science resources in established metadata element set standards (e.g., Dublin Core, IEEE LOM)that capture the unique museum quality and pedagogical value of Exploratorium digital assets; and, 4) evaluating and refining the usability, accessibility, and applicability of the digital library and digital exhibit-based resources for educators, teacher educators, and lifelong learners. The Informal Science Education program in the NSF Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education is providing significant co-funding of this project in recognition of its importance in enhancing access to informal science educational opportunities through digital libraries.