Make Way!
So I really love the idea of makerspaces in libraries. I do think they excel more in public libraries or even college libraries because, let's face it, adults are more trustworthy than children. Additionally, public libaries have the means to hire or delegate an employee to be in charge of the space and all that goes with it. BUT that doesn't mean that makerspaces can't exist in school libaries. I think a place that provides more hands on learning and self-expression is actually extremely valuable to have in the school setting. It just means that the level of equipment available to that demigraphic will differ.
Okay so really what I'm getting at is that I designed a proposal for a makerspace, using the high school library I work at as a base. We're actually currently trying to create a makerspace in a little office in our library that recently became vacant. So this was the perfect assignment. It also means that we already have a lot of materials and available equipment. However, because some of our equipment is outdated, I included technology on my materials list that lets the proposal stand on its own, regardless if one had a starting base of materials or not.
Check out my proposal here
The hardest part of this project was working within that budget and also coming up with innovative ideas. I wanted to do something like make your own Lego Mini figure. But I had no clue how to go about finding the most cost-efficient way to do that. Similarly, I thought of trying to put materials for making a DC motor car... But I actually have no idea all the materials that are required for that.
Ultimately, I decided to do a hybrid of low tech and high tech. With the inclusion of equipment like the 3D printer and the Cricut, a more experienced student could have access to these. But the low-tech materials like paint, clay, keychains, etc, will be more accessible to the average student who just wants to zone out and not think about Trigonometry or analyzing Macbeth.
Let me know what you think!
Hi! I agree with your thoughts that makerspaces work better in academic and public libraries than in schools. Because, like you said, children. I just don’t see how a school librarian would have time to manage a drop-in makerspace without a dedicated staff member, especially in an elementary school. I think for makerspaces to work well in schools, the makerspace resources have to be aligned with assignments and curriculum. And using the makerspace resources as a whole class during their regularly scheduled library time seems more manageable. This could be done in small group stations or as an alternate choice to book browsing and independent reading.
ReplyDeleteGoing through the process of creating my makerspace inventory sparked so many ideas for makerspace projects that could be tied to curriculum-based assignments in science, social studies, and ELA to support students in learning modern-day library and information literacy skills. That being said, I also found it hard to resist including things in my inventory that were more craft-based and just for fun. I really wanted to purchase some crochet hooks, knitting needles, and yarn, but couldn’t think of a way to tie that back to any curriculum. I also had a similar issue as you - trying to stay within the budget proved difficult! And at times, I felt overwhelmed or unsure about what to buy and whether my purchases would achieve what I was envisioning.
Hey there! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on makerspaces in libraries. I completely agree that public and college libraries might have more resources and staff to manage makerspaces, but that doesn't diminish how valuable they are in school libraries. In fact, I love your point about the balance between high-tech and low-tech makerspaces. Although I believe that there's still a way to engage a wider range of students with different interest and skill levels with both.
ReplyDeleteI liked how your design approach for the makerspace incorporated a mix of both high-tech and low-tech. It's awesome that you're repurposing an existing space and equipment while also planning for future growth of the space. As librarians sometimes we really do have to work with what we got! Also, the idea to allow students to "zone out" with creative materials alongside more advance tech like a 3D printer really captures the essence of what a makerspace should be.
I'm curious how students would respond so far to the new makerspace. Thanks for sharing your proposal! :)