MAKERSPACES: Transliteracy in public libraries

MAKERSPACES:Transliteracy in public librariesBY Ashley Dean

WHAT IS A MAKERSPACE?HackerspacesFab LabsCreative SpacesMakelabsMakerhoods

WHAT IS A MAKERSPACE?A place where people come together to create and collaborate, to share resources, knowledge, and stuff. ~ Lauren BrittonTransliteracy Development Director Fayetteville Free Library

Makerspace and the library missionPublic Library Association Mission StatementThe Public Library Association enhances the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services. This mission positions PLA to:Focus its efforts on serving the needs of its membersAddress issues which affect public librariesCommit to quality public library services that benefit the general public

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

3-D PRINTERSAtom 3D Printed Guitar by Olaf Diegelhttp://blogs.cio.com/hardware/17693/3d-printing-makes-electric-guitars3-D printers allow users to create renderings of 3-D objects from a digital design file.Printing is similar to 2-D inkjet printers, with nozzles spraying substances such as plastic or gels instead of ink.

TOOLS OF THE TRADESuitable for all agesInexpensivePromotes creativityTeaches problem solving skillsImproves dexterityCombines STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education with creativity

LEGO

TOOLS OF THE TRADESome libraries may already have elements of a makerspace:Childrens programsWorkshops in jewelry making, duct tape crafts, etc.Sewing & knitting classes Shop class

CRAFTINGMaria Carrillo High School Makerspacehttp://makerspace.com/maker-news/educators-workshop-review-sewing

TOOLS OF THE TRADEUsing computers, makers can create: Video gamesFull-length filmsGraphic artMobile appsCOMPUTERS

Funding makerspacesThink outside the box:Grant writingCompetitionsCrowd-source funding websitesSponsorships

Safety firstSafety precaution guidelines when using makerspaces.http://makerspace.com/ideas/staying-safe-in-makerspaces

A safe makerspace environment is created by:User education of toolsAppropriate protective gearRespect for other usersAccessible safety equipment

The issue of space

Libraries searching for space have several options to consider: Purchase new spaceMobile classroomsReimagine current space

Westport Public Library Makerspacehttp://www.westportnow.com/index.php?/v2_5/comments/library_launches_maker_space/

Expectations on library staffIt is our job to create access and develop an environment where people can come togetherAs librarians we are the facilitators we do not have to be the expertsOur community is full of experts and so is yours. Technology teachers, local artists, computer programmers, and lawyers these expertshave knowledge that is worth sharing. ~ Lauren Britton

Works citedAbram, Stephen. "Makerspaces in Libraries, Education, and Beyond." Internet@Schools 20.2 (2013): 18-20. Library & Information Science Source. Web. 22 Nov. 2013.Britton, Lauren. "A Fabulous Laboratory: The Makerspace at Fayetteville Free Library." Public Libraries Jul 2012: 30-3. ProQuest. Web. 26 Nov. 2013 .Cox, Randy. Video Game Design Class. 30 November, 2008. Photograph. The Oregonian. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.Gutsche, Betha. "Makerspaces in Libraries: Patron's Delight, Staff's Dread?" Alki 29.1 (2013): 28-30. Library & Information Science Source. Web. 22 Nov. 2013.Kenney, Brian. "Meet Your Makers." Publishers Weekly 260.13 (2013): 20. Library & Information Science Source. Web. 22 Nov. 2013."Makerspace Playbook." Makerspace (2012): 17-19. Makerspace. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.McGuire, Devon. Educators Workshop Review: Sewing. 2013. Photograph. Makerspace. Web. 01 Dec. 2013."PLA Mission and Goals." American Library Association. American Library Association, June 2010. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.Untermeyer, Larry. Library Launches Maker Space. 2012. Photograph. WestportNow. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.