University of Wisconsin-Madison (University of Wisconsin - Madison, Information School)

The University of Wisconsin–Madison will investigate museum and library practitioners’ approaches to play-based programs and spaces and co-design and implement professional development materials focusing on equity, assessment, and advocacy for use in museums and libraries. The project team will conduct a literature review and interviews; convene a community of practice of museums and libraries in three diverse Wisconsin locations to better understand supporting play in their institutions and co-design materials; and recruit museums and library partners in other parts of the U.S. to test and refine the materials. The project will result in a a diversity audit tool for practitioners to examine their play programs and spaces for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging considerations, as well as a typology of existing play offerings focused on the forms, purposes, materials, and theoretical underpinnings of play that are supported in museums and libraries, with a specific focus on play offerings for children ages 0–12.