Academic Libraries as Makerspace:

Engaging students in the creation of

new knowledge

Kathlin L. RayUniversity of Nevada, RenoNov. 11-13, 2014

• Tier One* land grant university

• 19,000 students

• 4 libraries• Knowledge Center

• DeLaMare Science & Engineering

• Savitt Medical

• Basque Studies

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO

*US News & World Report 2014

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO

[Note: Originally the heart of campus, the historic quad remains the traditional setting for Commencement activities, and provides a pleasant place for picnics, concerts, and quiet reflection. Since 1987, the University of Nevada, Reno Quadrangle has been listed as a "Jeffersonian academic village" on the National Register of Historic Places, as the campus core follows Thomas Jefferson's design for the University of Virginia Lawn. The lovely, giant elm trees were planted in 1908. ]

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO

[note: The Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, above, was built in 2008 at the center of campus, and along with the Crowley Student Union. The library is the new heart of the campus.]

What is a makerspace, anyway?

Four types• FabLabs• Hackerspaces• TechShops• Makerspaces

Fab Labs

Hackerspaces

Makerspaces

UNR’s DeLaMare Library was named one of the Most Interesting Makerspaces

in America. Make Magazine Aug/Sept 2014

Maker space = maker culture

• Values inclusiveness

• Provides access to tools / resources

• Supports open source

• Fosters collaboration

• Champions innovation

• Facilitates sharing of knowledge / skills

• Promotes hands-on learning and DIY

Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center

“A pioneering information environment designed to nurture creativity and stimulate

intellectual inquiry.”

“The single greatest intellectual force and competitive advantage in the 21st century is the rapid assimilation of new knowledge to fuel innovation…”

Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center

Vision

“New knowledge, applied to existing tasks, results in increased productivity; new knowledge applied to new challenges and tasks is fundamental to innovation…”

Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center

Vision, contd

“Recognizing this critical interplay between knowledge and innovation,

UNR has established one of the first centers in the nation

built specifically to embrace these dynamics of the 21st century.”

Steve Zink, former VPITUniversity of Nevada, Reno

Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center

Vision, contd

Let’s look inside…

Photo credit, Nick Crowl

DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library

Photo credit, Nick Crowl

Encourage collaboration and conversation

Photo by Tod Colegrove: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dstl_unr/

Lego Mindstorms, Arduinos, etc

DeLaMare photo credits, Nick Crowl and Tod Colegrove

DeLaMare photo credits, Nick Crowl and Tod Colegrove

Paint walls on every floor with whiteboard paint

and have a whiteboard wall contest!

3D printing service

1) Stratasys uPrint SE Plus

2) NextEngine 3D Scanner

Photos by Nick Crowl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dstl_unr/

Printing - paper or plastic?

Photo credit, Nick Crowl

Ben King, Chemistry faculty

“one of the very hard things about

teaching chemistry is explaining

that molecules have shape. This

basically removes that obstacle ...

so it will change how we teach

chemistry and how we look at

molecules on a daily basis. It's

also just plain fun."

Photo by Tod Colegrove:

Photo of King by Jason Hildago from Engadget:http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/19/reshaping-universities-through-3d-printing/

Pavel Solin, applied mathematics

PLaSMRetrieved from: http://hpfem.org/~pavel/

Online STEM lab: https://nclab.com/

Photo by Tod Colegrove: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dstl_unr/

Patrick, marketing + psychology (minor)

Heather, math education + tutor

Photo by Nick Crowl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dstl_unr/

“I think 3D printing is awesome. Now if I can’t find a [math educational] resource, I can just make one.”

It’s not about the 3D printer.

Tod Colegrove, head of DeLaMare Library

Tara Radniecki, Engineering Librarian

Photo credit, Nick Crowl

Photo credits, Nick Crowl

Chrissy Klenke, Map and Geoscience Librarian

Nick Crowl, IT Tech & DataWorks manager

Photo credit, Nick Crowl

Erich Purpur GIS Librarian

Photo credit, Nick Crowl

Photo credit, Nick Crowl

Photo credit, Nick Crowl

Photo credit, Nick Crowl

It’s all about engagement

Start with low tech maker breaks

Button makers =unbelievably popular!

Hold a paper airplane contest

Culture shift

Extraordinary people required

It’s okay to fail. Expect to.

“The academic library’s shift

from a repository of collections

to a catalyst for discovery and creation is now happening across the globe.

More than ever, libraries are essential

as the place where people,

knowledge, and research intersect to tackle our world’s greatest challenges.”

4 Ways Academic Libraries Are Adapting For The Future, Fast Company, Oct. 2014

Questions?