Makerspaces are becoming more common in libraries as the scope of library duties is changing. More and more libraries are a center for collaboration and community and that is central theme for makerspaces. As discussed
by Moorefield-Lang, “No two makerspaces are the same, some have a focus on
crafting, painting, and more artistic endeavors; while others have an emphasis
on technology with 3d printers, laser cutters, music studios, and computer
programming” (2015, pg. 107). The libraries I volunteer at and patron have many activities that focus on community needs and wants. One activity that has become popular with our patrons is one-on-one training involving the 3D printer resulting in a completed project. Another activity during a celebration of Star Wars week was to build your own lightsaber. The collaboration of these events is really amazing to watch.
Works Cited
Moorefield-Lang, Heather. (2015, May). "Change in the Making: Makerspaces and the Ever-Changing Landscape of Libraries". TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, v59 n3. p107-112. Retrieved from http://palomar.worldcat.org.ezproxy.palomar.edu/title/change-in-the-making-makerspaces-and-the-ever-changing-landscape-of-libraries/oclc/5905730494&referer=brief_results.
Hi Kelly, Nice article!
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that the training with the 3D printer is one-on-one. There's so much talk about collaboration in relation to makerspaces. I suppose the age level of the students and the times the classes are offered have a lot to do with their structure. I'm glad you mentioned music as potential projects. We need more of it!
BTW, here's a great article on 3D printers:
http://library.cqpress.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre2012120700&type=hitlist&num=0