Makerspaces - Making Space for Makerspaces

For some time, the academic trend has been to emphasize STEM (or now STEAM) programs to encourage science-based creativity and information literacy in students, as well as to showcase school districts’ commitment to preparing students for “21st century, technology-based college and career readiness.” With this in mind, libraries that claim to be in sync with their local schools cannot afford to not have a makerspace and accompanying programs. Many libraries already have 3-D printers and computers and other media devices available. It’s only a short step from there to develop programs that develop elementary - advanced programming, crafting and building skills, and more. 

Johnson County (KS) Library Makerspace

Kristin Fontichiaro suggests considering “What are the curricular, social, ‘soft skill,’ or other goals that you have?” (43). A good step would be to check in with local schools and see what they are doing and how the library might be able to supplement programs that are already going on. School libraries are already well positioned to do this, and faculty ought to be able to assist with programming there. Fontichiraro advises that librarians “try comparing elementary, middle, and high school activities in a combined table,” to determine where skills and knowledge are repeated (44). Makerspaces do not have to be all encompassing, and they do not necessarily have to conform to all current trends. The basics are enough as long as patrons/students are able to learn and apply their skills and knowledge in creative ways.

Image of Grant Funded Makerspace at Oley Valley Library used in YALSA blog post "Why Makerspaces Are So Important in Public Libraries"

Regardless of the type of library, makerspaces are one more way that libraries can show themselves to be flexible and responsive to patron/student needs, and to be connected with community needs, as well as to offer programming that is up-to-date and relevant. 

For further reading, here is the Public Library Association (PLA) resource page on Makerspaces: http://www.ala.org/pla/resources/tools/technology/makerspaces

Works Cited

Fontichiaro, Kristin. “Makerspace Tune-Up 2.0: Looking into the Future.” Teacher Librarian, vol. 46, no. 5, June 2019, pp. 43–45. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=138838619&site=ehost-live&scope=site.