Makerspaces

     As school libraries adapt to students’ changing needs and add collaborative spaces and surfaces to their layouts, many of these spaces are becoming something special. Makerspaces are areas in libraries devoted to facilitating group activities such as arts and crafts, electronics, LEGO, sewing, and anything else requested by patrons and provided by staff. In her article “Help! My Principal Says I Need to Start a Makerspace in My Elementary Library!” Kristin Fontichiaro gives expert advice on how to start a makerspace on a budget. “In a classroom, [a makerspace] could be the addition of science kits to the curriculum, plus a few bookshelves of tinkering kits and materials to keep kids engaged during down time. In a public library, it might be the addition of new programming…or a set of circulating science or art equipment. In a school library, it might range from centers designed for mental relaxation to…digital fabrication tools like a 3D printer” (2016, 49). I visited the makerspace in the Carlsbad City Library, which is essentially a computer lab with two 3D printers. Staff give presentations teaching how to 3D print, and patrons can sign up for appointments for longer printing jobs.  

     Here is a video showing a makerspace created by the Stewart Library: 

     Because of the modular, snowflake nature of makerspaces, Kristin recommends communicating with the administration to understand their goals for adopting one. Once staff is all on the same page about the purpose for the makerspace (relaxation versus creation versus exploration, etc.), they should research what the students want or need in such a space. Based on the purpose and the students’ input, staff can plan to acquire the right elements for the makerspace. Be also mindful of budgeting for the present and future of the makerspace. Discuss with the administration about what to buy and when. “Be sure to work with your principal on differentiating between start-up costs (for once-only purchases like a sewing machine or Silhouette paper cutter) and long-term costs (for occasional purchases like cardboard, fabric, equipment repair, or 3D filament)” (2016, 49).

     For a makerspace to be healthy and bustling, Kristin recommends selecting a variety of categories for activities and advertising them brightly so students or patrons will flock to the activities that inspire them. Once its presence is known, all staff have to do is maintain the budget and the scheduling of activities and the makerspace will thrive.

Resources

Fontichiaro, Kristin. "Help! My Principal Says I Need to Start a Makerspace in My Elementary Library!." Teacher Librarian, vol. 44, no. 1, Oct. 2016, pp. 49-51. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=119117883&site=ehost-live&scope=site.