Makerspace

 

By Julie Wilcox

 

While Makerspaces might be a good idea to increase the traffic at Public Libraries, I do not see them being very popular at school libraries unless they are a dual use space (open after school hours or other agreement) In fact we are seeing makerspaces at public libraries growing all the time.  Those 3D printers you have access to, maybe a circuit or silhouette machine, some have studios for music or podcasts.  As collections begin to shrink due to technology and other reasons, libraries have unused space and they are getting creative. 

My reasoning for School Libraries is we are seeing budgets cut, and Makerspaces take money.  Supplies and technology are expensive.  Grants and corporate sponsors are available; then there are the categories, do we lean towards, STEM, Robotics, or Creative, Music, hobbies, or life basics. 

Digging Deeper:

What is a Makerspace?

 

References:

Robertson, N. D. (2019). Expanding School Library Collections: The Makerspace Edition. Knowledge Quest, 48(2), 8–14. https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=139376351&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Delguidice-Calemmo, M., & Luna, R. (2017). Library Makeover. Publishers Weekly, 264(52), 52–55. https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=126839275&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Kachel, D. E., & Lance, K. C. (2021). The Status of State Support of School Library Programs. Teacher Librarian, 48(5), 8–13. https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=151393716&site=ehost-live&scope=site