University of Oklahoma

Makerspaces in School Libraries

Diana Fiddler
Research and Evaluation Methods--5713
Dr. Susan Burke
October 9, 2016

Makerspace in Public School Libraries

Makerspace programs are becoming more popular in the library settings. The majority of
makerspaces can be found in either a school or public library facility. Makerspaces revolve
around the inclusion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) into the
program. A makerspace program allows for creativity and innovation among its participants.
The student is able to step outside of their comfort zone to generate ideas and solutions which
may be initiated by a different way of thinking. Students can use the engineering design process
throughout their creations. The engineering design process includes: asking, imagining,
planning, creating, and improving upon their projects. Makerspace programs revolve around
critical thinking skills. Thinking of this type is highly emphasized in the teaching of 21st century
skills.
The makerspace program does not need to rely solely upon high tech gadgets. The
coordinator (librarian) can start a makerspace program by simply using odds and ends to begin
their programs. If a program enhances a students learning, the project has been a success.
However, certain attributes in a makerspace program need to be clearly defined prior to the
implementation of such a program in a public school library setting. The purpose of this survey
is to collect information to the following questions in order to create a productive public school
makerspace program:
Question 1: What grade levels in the public school system will benefit from a
makerspace experience?
Question 2: When one librarian and one aide are present, what is an appropriate number
of students in a makerspace program?
Question 3: What factors contribute to the success of a makerspace program?

Makerspace in Public School Libraries

Dear Participant,
My name is Diana Fiddler. I am currently a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma in
Norman, Oklahoma; I am currently enrolled in LIS 5713-Research & Evaluation Methods. I
would like to invite you to participate in an electronic survey. The surveys title is Makerspace
in Public School Libraries. The purpose of this survey is to collect information with regards to
appropriate grade levels for makerspace programs, ideal number of students, factors which
benefit students in makerspace programs, and other beneficial information.
The following link has been created to gather information on makerspace programs in the public
school library: https://ousurvey.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6FEdm4R7j03sWZT.
Your participation in this survey is strictly voluntary. You may choose to not participate in the
survey at any time. There are no known risks in participating beyond those risks encountered in
everyday life. Your responses will remain confidential as well as your anonymity. No one will
view your individual responses to this survey other than the researcher.
Those participants who choose to participate and complete all of the survey questions will be
eligible for a drawing with the opportunity to win one of two $10 Lowes gift cards.
If you agree to participate in this Makerspace survey, please answer all of the survey questions as
soon as possible. This survey should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Any questions regarding this survey can be directed to me by telephone or email.
Thank you for your time and effort.
Sincerely,

Diana Fiddler
Graduate Student
University of Oklahoma
Phone Number: 918-857-7124
Email Address:diana.j.fiddler-1@ou.edu
Professor: Dr. Susan Burke
University of Oklahoma
Email Address: sburke@ou.edu

Survey Consent Information

Do you agree to participate in this survey?

o Yes, I agree to participate in this survey.
o No, I do not agree to participate in this survey.

Note:

The cover letter is the first page of the survey.

A page break follows the cover letter with an advance page button.
Following the cover letter is the survey consent with an option to agree or disagree.
A page break, between the survey consent and survey questions, prohibits the participant

from previewing the questions.

Agreeing to participate takes the participant to the first question.
If a participant does not agree to participate in the survey, they are exited from the survey.

Questions

Directions: Please read and complete all of the questions to the best of your ability. If you do
not feel comfortable in completing this survey, please feel free to stop the survey.

1. How familiar are you with a makerspace program?

o Not familiar at all
o Not too familiar
o Somewhat familiar
o Very familiar
2. What grade levels in the public school system will most benefit from a makerspace
experience? Check all that apply.
o Pre-K thru Kindergarten
o First Grade thru Fifth Grade
o Sixth Grade thru Eighth Grade
o Ninth Grade thru Twelfth Grade
3. How many students should participate in a makerspace program, if one librarian and one
aide are present?
o 1-5
o 6-10
o 11-15
o 16 +
4. When creating a makerspace program should the librarian include state standards in the
objective?
o Never

o Sometimes
o Always
o Undecided
5. What subject area(s), other than Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics,
should be included in the makerspace project? Check all that apply.
o Art
o History
o Reading
o Writing
6. When should makerspace programs be available to students?
o During School Hours
o After School Hours
7. How many times a year should a new makerspace program be implemented?
o 1
o 2
o 3
o 4+

8. What options should the students be given when working on a makerspace project?
o Students should work only as an individual.

o Students should work only as a group member.

o Students should work as both an individual and in a group setting.
o Students should always be given the choice to work in individual or group
settings.
9. Should a students behavior determine whether they participate in a makerspace project?
o Never
o Sometimes
o Always
o Undecided
10. Should an evaluation be used as a follow-up technique to each makerspace program?
o Never
o Sometimes
o Always
o Undecided
11. Should resource professionals in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics fields be included in makerspace projects?
o Never
o Sometimes
o Always
o Undecided

12. Should stakeholders in the community be included in the decision making process of the

makerspace programs?
o Never
o Sometimes
o Always
o Undecided
13. Which of the following best represents your age group?
o 20-30
o 31-40
o 41-50
o 51 +
14. Are you currently working in a library setting with public school-aged students?
o Yes
o No
15. What is your current highest degree held?
o High School Diploma
o Bachelors Degree
o Masters Degree
o PhD
OPTIONAL: To be entered into a drawing for one of two $10 gift Lowe's gift certificates, please
enter your name and email address in the following blank.
Name: _________________________________________

Email Address: __________________________________