Makerspaces in Libraries

By (author) Theresa Willingham, Jeroen de Boer Series edited by Ellyssa Kroski

Publication date:

21 August 2015

Length of book:

158 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Dimensions:

236x161mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781442252998

Makerspaces, sometimes also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. In libraries they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools, and more. Makerspaces are becoming increasingly popular in both public and academic libraries as a new way to engage patrons and add value to traditional library services. Discover how you can create a makerspace within your own library though this step-by-step guidebook. From planning your innovation center to hosting hack-a-thons, guest lectures, and social events in your new lab, Makerspaces in Libraries provides detailed guidance and best practices for creating an enduring, community driven space for all to enjoy and from which both staff and patrons will benefit.

This well researched, in-depth guide will serve libraries of all sizes seeking to implement the latest technologies and bring fresh life and engaging programming to their libraries. Highlights and best practices include:

  1. budgeting and business planning for a librarymakerspace,
  2. creating operational documents,
  3. tools and resources overviews,
  4. national and international case studies,
  5. becoming familiar with 3D printers through practical printing projects (seed bombs),
  6. how to get started with Arduino (illuminate your library with a LED ambient mood light),
  7. how to host a FIRST Robotics Team at the library,
  8. how to develop hands-on engagement for senior makers (Squishy Circuits), and
  9. how to host a Hackathon and build a coding community.
Libraries are different things to diverse populations. For some, the library is a place for study or research. For others, it’s a community hub, a social meeting place. Increasingly, with the addition of multifunctional, interactive creative spaces where people gather to build, experiment, and innovate, the library as an idea incubator is coming into its own. Whether they host programming code camps or provide arts and crafts or fabrication tools, Hacker spaces, Fab Labs, and Maker spaces are examples of ways that both public and academic libraries in the United States and Europe are finding new ways to engage with users. Maker space advocates Willingham and De Boer provide a brief overview and history of Maker spaces in libraries before launching into a well-written practical guide to these innovation centers. Case studies, equipment, project and event ideas, tips and tricks for getting started, funding, policies and procedures, and recommended further reading are all included. Verdict: recommended for librarians, administrators, and staff considering a foray into Maker spaces.