www.teenlibrariantoolbox.comKaren Jensen, MLS

The MakerSpace at The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, Ohio

Creating Our Space: The Process

Step 1: Trial runs in the form of Maker MondaysStep 2: Research (library visits, webinars, Library Journal Maker Workshop)Step 3: Initial proposal stage (including budget)Step 4: Work out the kinks with staff inputStep 5: Empty the space (move YA fic)Step 6: Begin installation

From beginning to end: approximately 6 months

Getting Started

Maker MondaysWe had 2 Maker Mondays with about 75 tweens & teens at each, they asked if we could do this every Monday.

Research: Visiting other Maker Spaces & Maker FairesCincinnati Maker Space, Akron Maker Faire, Barnes andNoble

Library Journal Maker Workshop - a 4 week online course;Invaluable resource with hands on assignments that help guideyour process and you get feedback from others

Baby Steps, aka Unconventional Making

Circulating Maker KitsWe put together 20 Circulating Maker Kits (CMKs) to see what kind of response we would get. All the kits have circulated multiple times. Patrons give positive feedback.

The Maker CollectionA collection of titles focused on Making given a dedicated space. That collection now lives on 2 floors: our Junior Maker Collection and The Maker Collection in our Teen Maker Space.

The Proposal Stage: Research, Goals

Problem 1: SpaceOur teen space is an enclosed room of 18 ½ feet by 21 ½ feet. It has counters going down two walls and shelves on the other two.

Problem 2: Budget

Solution: Create a smaller space with specific goals.Our focus: small technology, iPads, rotating stations with moveable parts

Areas of Focus and Stations

Station 1: Stop Motion Animation & Green ScreenStation 2: Button Makers (to be used with digital media created at iPad stations)Station 3: 3D Printing PenStation 4: PCs with coding & digital media creation softwareStation 5: iPad stations with digital media, coding, gaming, etc. appsRotating Parts: littleBits, small robots (Dash & Dot, Sphero), Strawbees, etc.

“

”

Digitized content (text, graphics, audio, and video) that can be transmitted over internet

or computer networks.Read more:

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/digital-media.html#ixzz40RIqdhce

Digital MediaDigital Media Focus:Photo creation and manipulation, including green screen photosVideo creation and editingStop motion animationMusic

Achieved using PC programs and iPad apps!Activity extenders: Turn photos into buttons, t-shirts, book bags and more!

Making at PLMVKC

• Coding – Apps, small robots and combining with things like littleBits and Raspberry Pi/Makey Makey

• Small Robotics – Dash and Dot, Sphero• Legos – In addition to basic building, can be

used to make stop motion animation or combined with littleBits and Raspberry Pi to do small robotics and coding

• Strawbees – Basic building and combined with other elements

• littleBits – electronics and robotics• 3D Printing Pens• Small vinyl cutters• Button makers

The MakerSpace in Pictures

The Stations

and “Digital Media Lab”

The Wall of Storage

What We Learned Along the Way

The process is FLUID. Questions will come up and revisions will be made.

Provide CUSHION in your budget and implementation timeline to give you wiggle room.

TALK to staff a lot during the entire process. Keep them informed and invested.

Be open to CHANGE.

Remind staff that this is a traditional library service presented in a new way: HANDS ON LEARNING is still education.

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”I love this space! Now I have something to do every day.

A teen patron

Benefits of a Maker SpaceTeens have a place to come and learn on their own schedule (Self Directed

Programming)YA staff can interact more with teen patrons (Mentoring, Communicate Value)

40 Developmental Assets!Increased patron (and parent!) satisfaction

Additional Information

Click on the MakerSpace button on the right hand side

Small Tech, Big Impact: Designing My Maker SpaceBy Karen Jensen on February 1, 2016How one public librarian researched, budgeted, and created the best maker space for her customers over the course of six months.