Makerspaces in Libraries

by Theresa Willingham, Theresa Willingham, Jeroen De Boer

Makerspaces, sometimes also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. In libraries they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools, and more. Makerspaces are becoming increasingly popular in both public and academic libraries as a new way to engage patrons and add value to traditional library services. Discover how you can create a makerspace within your own library though this step-by-step guidebook. From planning your innovation center to hosting hack-a-thons, guest lectures, and social events in your new lab, Makerspaces in Libraries provides detailed guidance and best practices for creating an enduring, community driven space for all to enjoy and from which both staff and patrons will benefit.

This well researched, in-depth guide will serve libraries of all sizes seeking to implement the latest technologies and bring fresh life and engaging programming to their libraries. Highlights and best practices include:

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science

158 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2015

Reviews

[Amy Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

With how quickly the makerspace trend is growing in both public and academic libraries, I was really pleased to find that my library had a few ALA-approved books on the topic.  The one thing that I would have liked to see, though it was likely just not the scope of the book or what people tend to think of in regards to makerspaces, was a little more discussion (if any) on zine-making and other non-STEM related creative works.  In my experience, makerspaces have been heavily focused on zines and crafting of different sorts, so I was a little surprised to see that those types of projects weren't mentioned.  However, it's likely that my libraries are just the outlier, or have made their makerspaces into something that the community needs and wants.

That being said, I really did appreciate a lot of the information presented in this book!  It does take a very STEM-related focus especially in regards to 3D printers, filament, programs, and Arduino sets, but a library can't get those just by wishing.  This book details all the various steps that go into setting up a makerspace from pitching the idea to assessing your community to renovating and purchasing items to the unveiling.  How do you advertise this space?  How do you get the funding?  Who's allowed to use what?  Will there be classes?  Willingham and De Boer offer ideas on how to best implement a makerspace in your library, and provide apt resources for guiding your project.  

Overall, this was a very helpful book that would certainly be useful to any librarians wanting to know more about makerspaces and how to implement this trend into their own library.  

Review cross-listed here!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a solid and helpful introduction to a particular interpretation of makerspaces in libraries. It has very good references to the information talked about so that it would be very easy to seek further information.

There are useful checklists of things to consider when planning makerspaces (and often when planning anything) in a library. The importance of bringing staff with you on the ideas are also addressed. The case studies from the USA, Europe and UK provide helpful perspectives, as well as more resources to explore via the links about them. The case studies highlight different approached to running library makerspaces, including whether volunteers or staff are used. There are also some detailed program examples so you could work your way through these in your library or community.

Many libraries have implemented much more diverse makerspaces, and this book does not focus on them, or include them. It also seems to dwell on a perceived dichotomy between makerspaces/fab labs and everything else libraries do, whereas I see them more as a continuum. That said, it is a very useful introduction to library makerspaces, and would help people start to think through strategies for their library.

It is a tough area to be writing in as more examples and interpretations are available all the time. Specific technology is mentioned, so read this book soon. I is a fast read. The authors did a good job with these challenges.

On the book the authors are both listed, so I would like to acknowledge the work of Theresa Willingham and Jeroen de Boer as they are both not mentioned on Goodreads.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid research with easy access to reference materials make this a go-to publication for those who want to know more about the Makerspace Movement. Those seeking practical information (budgets, projects, etc.) may be disappointed, as this is more of an overview to the topic.

[Cheryl Smith]

This book has a lot of good ideas on putting Makerspaces in Libraries. The book is short and readable. Good information includes: how to get community input, potential sources of funding, existing community libraries that include Makerspaces, activities for children and seniors, and potential community-building activities.

[Jolene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly academic approach to providing a makerspace in your library. I would rather have a simplier and hands on approach. Providing specific budget costs, program age group, and possibly more pictures of the programs. Essentially really expensive book for nothing.

[Hope L. Justice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have liked to see more project ideas with pictures and tutorials. The case studies are nice, but I would have liked to see projects to pair up with the case studies. Not just a list of studies.

[Vi · Rating 3 out of 5]

brief, all too brief, how-to.

[A'isha Rahman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read provides in-depth information about the maker community, as well as insights about the tools and projects that are implemented in library makersapces.