Makerspaces: Top Trailblazing Projects, A LITA Guide

by Caitlin A. Bagley

Spaces that have been designed to allow users to create, build, and learn new projects and technologies, makerspaces employ a variety of tools. From crochet and painting to AutoCAD design software, developing a community around shared use of space and equipment -- a tenet of the makerspace movement -- fits squarely into a library's mission. Bagley examines nine makerspaces in public, academic, and school libraries, describing their design and technical decisions in depth and showing how each is doing something unique and different, under a wide range of budgets and project offerings.

Genres: Librarianship, Nonfiction, Professional Development

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2014

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bagley’s Makerspaces provides a simple and straightforward overview of the issues to consider if your library is considering moving into making - funding, staffing, marketing - followed by nine profiles of makerspaces in various libraries. The emphasis on public libraries is strong, but there are two academic libraries and one school library included on the list. Each profile is broken down into a more or less standard format, with sections covering funding, physical space, marketing, and the demographics of the library, which allows readers who may only be interested in, say, what equipment each makerspace purchased to skip easily from chapter to chapter reading only the TOOLS section.

Makerspaces’s pedantic tone and highly-structured format make it less than scintillating as a read, but it does its job of introducing readers to the issues attendant to making well. Who, for instance, would have immediately thought of the noise issues associated with equipment they’ve never seen or the need for release forms? The only true failing of Bagley’s work is that of timing; given that she was trying to ride the cutting edge of the trend, most of the profiles she offers of spaces are of ones in development, not ones that have been running for any length of time. The lack of any kind of long-term study raises the question of what issues might not be addressed by this book, simply because they hadn’t had time to develop. But although you may want to proceed with caution – and additional research – Bagley at least offers us a place to start.

[Amy Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

One important distinction for a future reader to acknowledge is that this book focuses largely on STEM makerspaces including tool-working, 3D printing, and coding.  I came into this hoping for a zine-like, scrapbook-esque makerspace representation, but understandably STEM has taken over, and I can definitely see why after reading this book!

Each of the libraries she analyzes have had their own reasons for creating their makerspaces--some are for students, some are for the general community, and some are for keeping up with the current trend.  Bagley discusses how renovations have gone, how other libraries have assessed their patronage and space, and how libraries have gathered enough funding to create a makerspace.  Not only that, but Bagley compares how each library treats their makerspace differently.  Is it staffed differently?  Where are they located?  Is it only a 3D printing makerspace?  Do patrons have to sign forms?  How will reservations take place?

Since this is a current trend for libraries, and will likely continue to be, this book is an important piece of literature for libraries warming up to this grand idea.  This is definitely a great resource, and recommend it if you're interested in making a case for a makerspace for your community!

Review cross-listed here!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bagley puts together a collection of library makerspaces from 2014, making this collection a bit dated. However, I appreciated that instead of simply listing the equipment and rules governing each space, Bagley also gets into some of the practical considerations and thinking that went into developing each space, giving some universally applicable concepts for anyone considering a makerspace in their library.

[Vi · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK. felt like a survey. no real analysis of best practices.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

By dividing the chapters into showing how different libraries, from middle school media centers, to college libraries, to public libraries, are all approaching Makerspaces in different ways to suit their needs, wants, and limitations, this collection highlights the diverse possibilities and makerspaces of the future!

[Mandy Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it gave many good examples of large public libraries and their makerspaces, I was hoping for something that included school and smaller libraries. Good information but nothing new if you've been doing your makerspace research.

[Ginny]

I want to start some sort of makerspace, but it would have to be TINY. Just trying to get an idea on HOW...

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outlines benchmark library makerspace programs. Includes the 24-question survey used to gather data for the book. Includes section with contact information for each showcased library.