63 Ready-to-Use Maker Projects

by Ellyssa Kroski (Editor)

This new compilation from editor and maker Kroski spotlights a multitude of creative projects that you can tailor for your own library. Librarians and makers from across the country present projects as fun as an upcycled fashion show, as practical as Bluetooth speakers, and as mischievous as a catapult. Included are projects for artists, sewers, videographers, coders, and engineers. The handy reference format will help you quickly identify the estimated costs, materials, and equipment; and because several projects don’t even require a dedicated makerspace, every library can join in. Inside you’ll find how-to guidance for projects like With takeaways like origami tea lights or a t-shirt tote bag, your patrons will be sure to remember how much fun your library can be.

Genres: Nonfiction, Professional Development, Adult

368 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2017

About the author

Ellyssa Valenti Kroski is the Director of Innovation & Engagement at the New York Law Institute as well as an award-winning editor and author of 77 books. She is a librarian, an adjunct faculty member at San Jose State University, and an international conference speaker. She can be found at: http://www.amazon.com/author/ellyssa and https://ellyssakroski.com/

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

So...I have to say, I love that books about makerspaces are becoming more mainstream and I do have to say that this author, Ellyssa Kroski, is a big influence on that, so you go girl!
With that being said, she does have 63 different "makerspace" or S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. programs in this book from simple ones like DIY Lava Lamp/Tornado in a Bottle, Pet/Kindness Rocks to things as advanced as Woodcarving Puzzles and 3-D Printing and soldering....Cubee Characters to Hand Stitched Stuffed Animals, Duct Tape to DIY Chainmail...Rasberry Pi and Green Screen, Mexican Yarn Painting (I want to do this)...and Picasso LIght Painting (I want to REALLY do this!)

Each Project includes very HONEST budget, Time Requirement, if it needs a makerspace (or a well-ventilated or larger space to accommodate it) (most of them don't), if its best suited for public/school/academic library (mostly all of the above), and next level ideas, step by step instructions and VISUAL aid how to do each project yourself, how to host it, and how to market the concept of the program to appeal to kids/tweens/teens and even adults...some are specifically catered for a younger range (as young as 8), though most of the comprehension and motor skills required for any of these projects can be done by as young as 11 years old;

I'm serious when I say that anyone who works in a library who wants ideas or has never even tried the tried-and-true concepts, to check out this book. I'd also check out ANY of the other books by this author. She really gets it. She is helping provide professional library resources for the future librarians in a gentle guiding way to say, hey, you want to make the change you see happen in new/fancy libraries, start here!

[Sarah Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book, and some projects/items are more feasible depending on budgeting than others. Most of these projects can not just be done with items on hand though and supplies will need to be purchased. I did knock it down a star because it could have used better pictures and some of the instructions were wanting. I know it was a compilation of projects from different people, but it feels like each section was written by different people.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I checked this out from the library, I didn't realize it was geared towards libraries looking for community projects for youth. This could easily be used for parents, teachers, and camps. Interesting range of projects from very low-tech/high-recycle to high-tech. I do wish each project was edited to the same format, some were very step-by-step while many were more narrative-based. I also wanted to know what cities these libraries were located. Pretty basic, but missing.

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tome lives up to its name. All of the projects are divided by major construction method (3d printing, sewing, papercraft, etc.). The budget for the projects varies from nothing (using what you have laying around) to thousands - but that includes the cost of the equipment. Was it useful? Yes, I gleaned several ideas. The most fun was seeing what was possible if we had an unlimited budget and space. A librarian can dream.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crafty

[Tracee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the concept but not a fan of the layout and execution

[Barbara Band]

Makerspaces enable libraries to offer access to equipment and resources that allow their community to develop STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Maths) skills and this book describes itself as a “one-stop guidebook to creating an engaging makerspace programme”. The projects vary in cost, topic and difficulty as well as the equipment needed and, as each idea has been contributed by a librarian, you can feel assured that they have already been tried and tested. Each project described follows the same format: a project description and overview; a materials list; necessary equipment needed; step-by-step instructions; the learning outcomes; and recommended next projects to take things forward. There is a comprehensive index as well as black and white photographs accompanying each project.
There are seven sections, each defining a category of project: paper, cardboard and crafts; sewing and textiles; circuitry, wiring and wearables; milling, soldering and cutting; high-tech programming and robotics; digital media; and 3D printing. Some of these, such as creating pet rocks, are quite simple whilst others, such as building solar robots, require more equipment, skills and time. However, there is enough variety so that almost everyone would be able to find something they could do within their library. When you see the phrase “makerspace” it is easy to think that you need a vast room full of expensive equipment and yet many of these projects are being run by libraries already, using a corner of their building and basic resources. This book would provide a good reference for those who want to expand on what they already offer as well as providing inspiration for those with larger, more equipped areas.