Maker Spaces

More and more libraries are experimenting with a concept known as "maker spaces."  A maker space is a place where patrons can gather to create, collaborate and work on projects together.  Students learn how to share ideas and work as a team.  The middle school library where I volunteer is turning to this concept of a maker space.  The books in the library are rarely circulated and students do not visit the library voluntarily.  The library media technician hopes to change this by enticing students with hands-on projects that facilitate the sharing of information.  According to James Mitchell, "Information doesn't just travel in one direction as it has so often in the past. It now has much greater potential for multi-directional flow. Seen in this light, it is clear that Maker Spaces fit into the core mission of the library, as long as we embrace flows of information that are contained and carried in vehicles other than books" (2014).

Mitchell, J. (2014). Beyond the Maker Space. Library Journal, 139(9), 37.