What is a Makerspace?
A makerspace is a place that is designed to encourage users to create, craft, and build in a number of ways. They can include technology such as 3D printers, video and photography equipment, editing software and more. While these sorts of devices can be prohibitively expensive for individual community members, the makerspace allows them to be accessed and used by everyone.
The Urban Libraries council highlights a number of Makerspaces on their website. One of these Makerspaces is the Brooklyn Public Library’s Information Commons. Info Commons has a number of rooms, all aimed at encouraging Makers. They host many events to encourage kids and teens in STEM fields, and provide opportunities for historically underserved communities in Brooklyn. Their resources include design software like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro on their computer workstations and a recording studio that has an editing workstation, a DSLR camera, microphone, and more.
In 2013, American Libraries magazine published an article on Makerspaces that include professional opinions on how to make a Makerspace work and practical advice on which resources to choose and how much they cost. For instance, Travis Good, writer for Make Magazine, writes about different effective models for Makerspaces that libraries can work towards. He highlights the importance of collaboration, both in Making in general as well as in developing a Makerspace, developing and deploying the ideas behind Making on a number of levels, from kits like K’nex or littleBits to more complex tech options, and finally spotting places to be creative with spending, since supplies for a Makerspace can be quite expensive.
If you want to learn more about Makerspaces, see the websites below for a number of resources and inspiration:
American Library Association Makerspaces
Works Cited:
“Info Commons.” Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, Link.
“Information Commons.” Urban Libraries Council, Urban Libraries Council, Link.
“Manufacturing Makerspaces.” American Libraries Magazine, American Library Association, 6 Feb. 2013, Link.
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