A Cornerstones of Science Video on the responsibilities of libraries related to the Library Telescope Program.

This document is a sample of "FAQ's" that the St. Louis program distributes to libraries interested in joining the program.   Answers to many common questions are provided.  Of course, you will need to make appropriate changes to your own document.

Provides step-by-step details on how to modify the Orion StarBlast 4.5" telescope for use in the library telescope program.  Up to six hours of time for each telescope is required to complete the modifications.  In addition to providing step-by-step details, the overview lists the required tools and parts needed. 

A list of part numbers and possible sources for the components used in the telescope modification process.

This download is sample user manual that you modify for your library.  The user manual is placed into the camera bag.

This is printable sun decal which you need to affix to the telescope tube.

This is a printable decal placed on the base of the telescope that will provide information about the library that owns the telescope.  You will need to make appropriate changes for the library name, contact information, etc.

This is printable Moon sticker that is affixed to the tube of the telescope.

This is printable magnification chart that is affixed to the base of the telescope.  The chart explains the magnification for the zoom lens at different settings.

For St. Louis area libraries, this "Quickstart Guide" is typically attached to the telescope by the library for use by the patrons.  The guide is less detailed than the indexed sized "User manual" that is inserted in the telescope camera bag.  

The guide is also used by astronomer club trainers as a handout when training library staff and conducting "star parties" for library patrons.

Sample procedures used by libraries to checkout a telescope to patrons.

Sample procedures used by libraries to checkout a telescope to patrons.

Outline of a typical "star party" conducted by the St. Louis Astronomical Society for library patrons.  The primary goal of the star party is to train patrons how to use the telescope.  The program is 90 minutes long.  45 minutes of the program is held inside for hands on training and is held even if cloudy outside.  The last 45 minutes teaches night sky navigation is held outside if weather permits, otherwise held inside using sky maps, apps, etc. 

An outline used by the St. Louis Astronomical Society to train library staff during a program launch or as a refresher for existing programs.  This outline presumes the program is being conducted during the day when the library is operating.  Typically, library staff are divided into two or three groups with each group only spending 10 minutes in a conference room with trainers that show them the telescope, how it works and how basics on maintenance.

Just for fun, here is a link to some photos from one a larger build by St. Louis that was completed in 2015.  

Add a "Get Started" decal to your telescope for library patrons to quickly access this website.