MAKERSPACES

Lisa Marie Winchell

LIS 773
June 2015

VIDEO
INTRODUCTION

WHAT?
A makerspace is a place where people
meet to share resources and
knowledge, work on projects, network,
and build. Makerspaces provide tools
and space in a community setting.

HOW?
The way this looks will be dependent upon each
individual makerspace. It is not unusual to see wood
carving or laser cutting in a makerspace. Supplies
may include cardboard, plastic, metal, gears, wood,
and batteries to simpler items such as art supplies
and Legos. 3D printers range in price and can play a
big role in a makerspace.

WHERE?
Whether in a public library or school library, this
combination of a science lab, shop, and conference
room to learn through hands-on exploration is a
wonderful way to reach a variety of learners.
Makerspaces are usually informal as they are selfguided, but scheduled classes can occur as well.

WHEN?
Will you create a permanent makerspace? Or will
you have a Maker Monday or a monthly program
at your library? You decide!

WHO?
Everyone is invited into a makerspace. In a school setting,
this would be a wonderful way to bring the students and
staff together to to tinker!

WHY?
It allows students and patrons to see themselves as
makers and develop skills they may not have been
able to otherwise. They are not only designing their
projects, but in some cases, inventing them. This
space allows for inquiry-based learning as they take
ownership of projects!

W H AT D O L I B R A R I A N S
THINK?
In the May issue of School Library Journal,
Brandon Klevece, who works with the Free
Library of Philadelphias Maker Jawn youth
initiative says,
At the end of the day, you want people making,
not downloading something and starting at it like
its a television. He cites a tablet stand, cookie
cutter, or a prop for a stop-motion animation
project as examples of functional items.

W H AT D O L I B R A R I A N S T H I N K ?
( C O N T. )
Niq Tognoni, studio coordinator at Nashville Public Library,
says that 3-D printing in particular, is a useful tool to
instill the sort of DIY and creator-over-consumer mindset
with our patrons. The real value of 3-D printing comes
from helping users learn to design and make objects that
hold personal meaning for their lives and learning. It
expands the idea many of our patrons have of design
beyond two dimensions. You can literally sculpt [your
ideas] and bring them to life in a few clicks of the mouse.
He cites jewelry and models of future cities as complex
products his patrons have designed and printed with this
maker mindset.

A N N O TAT E D B I B L I O G R A P H Y
Books:
Gabrielson, C. (2013). Tinkering: Kids Learn By Making
Stuff. Sebastopol, CA: MakerMedia, Incorporated.
This is a great resource to use if you work with children
in a school or public library setting as high-interest
content is intertwined with science standards to
facilitate tinkering. The author has more than 20
years of experience working with hands-on science
activities.

A N N O TAT E D B I B L I O G R A P H Y
Books:
Roslund, S. & Rodgers, E. (2014). Makerspaces. Ann Arbor, MI:
Cherry Lake Publishing.

Are you wondering how to create a makerspace of your

own? Would you like to see some of the worlds most
interesting makerspaces, as well as what kind of tools
they used to design them? Makers are part of a
community that firmly belief in the sharing and
exchanging of ideas and equipment, as proven with this
book.

A N N O TAT E D B I B L I O G R A P H Y
Journals:
Ishizuka, K. (Ed.). (2015). The Maker Issue. School Library
Journal, 2-49.

SLJs May 2015 theme is dedicated to Makers. This

issue reports on great programs around the country
and takes a step back to look at a fuller view of this
popular trend and what it all means, including the
connections to learning and how maker activities
serve the community.

A N N O TAT E D B I B L I O G R A P H Y
Journals:
Goldenson, J. & Hill, N. (2013). Making room for innovation. Library
Journal. Retrieved from
http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/05/future-of-libraries/making-room-for-i
nnovation/

What do an empty retail loft in Chattanooga and a vacant

storefront in Cambridge have in common? They were both used
as experimental makerspaces! This article discusses how these
spaces hosted talks, exhibited student coursework, encouraged
creativity, and gathered data about the thoughts their visitors had
on libraries. This is a very interesting read for anyone in the field
of library science.

A N N O TAT E D B I B L I O G R A P H Y
Websites:
(2013, April). 7 things you should know about
makerspaces. Educause. Retrieved from http
://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7095. pdf
This is the perfect place to find out everything you
need to know about Makerspaces in a very
comprehensive way. From how they work to the
implications for teaching and learning, the basics are
covered.

A N N O TAT E D B I B L I O G R A P H Y
Websites:
Ginsberg, S. Libraries & maker culture: a resource guide. Retrieved from
http://library-maker-culture.weebly.com/

This website shares how makerspaces are being used in public

and academic libraries. The various services offered to patrons,
including 3D printing projects, are especially useful to librarians.
The site suggests that if you are beginning your own
makerspace, check out Emily Thompson's Technology Toolbox for
a list of useful software. Also, if you are thinking about
partnerships with local makerspaces, start with the
Maker Community Groups and Spaces list .