Posted on July 30, 2014 at 10:07 AM by Brian Herder
Makerspaces: Top Trailblazing Projects, a LITA Guide (2014)
Caitlin A. Bagley
Item Number: 978-1-55570-990-7
Publisher: ALA TechSource
Spaces that have been designed to allow users to create, build, and
learn new projects and technologies, makerspaces employ a variety of
tools such as 3-D printers, AutoCAD design software, and even
open-source hardware like Arduino Kits. Developing a community around
shared use of space and equipment, a tenet of the makerspace movement,
fits squarely into libraries’ 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. Enabling readers to quickly gather information about these
trailblazing projects, Bagley’s guide
- Defines the makerspace, and describes why it fits perfectly into the library’s role as community center
- Answers
common questions about implementing a makerspace project, detailing how
libraries are addressing issues such as registration, usage policy,
noise, software programs in digital workspaces, adapting spaces,
funding, and promotion
- Illustrates approaches libraries are
taking to staffing makerspaces, from Anchorage Public Library’s Maker in
Residence and Mesa Public Library's THINKspot coordinator, to the
library school students involved with University of Michigan and
University of Illinois makerspace projects
- Covers the
demographics of makerspace users, from children and teens to hobbyists
and job seekers, offering guidance for targeting, marketing, and
programming
A sourcebook of ideas that readers can apply at
their own institutions, this resource also demonstrates how makerspaces
can be gathering places for people to learn how to create and build
together as a community.