Makerspaces

 

By: Livia Dremin

The idea of bringing creativity and learning into a library is not new, but the implementation of makerspaces in a library is relatively recent. Makerspaces, which are “collaborative workspaces stocked with materials and tools for creating, building, designing, and learning, are becoming more and more common in schools and, in particular, in school libraries.” (Megan Blakemore) It may seem like an easy task to pick a section of the library to place some building materials and then call it a day. Many librarians “jumped on the makerspace bandwagon, purchasing makerspace-y things and then wondering in dismay why the initial bubbling of excitement quickly fell flat.” (Nikki Robertson) The design of the makerspace needs to be carefully thought out by choosing what you would like to put in the space and how students can benefit from it.

A novel idea would be to involve the teachers in the development of the makerspace and see what they would like to accomplish from its implementation. One set of teachers wanted to “raise test scores through activities in the makerspace that require students to critically read, interpret directions, and problem-solve for the purpose of using and operating items in the makerspace.” (Sheila Baker) Attempting to be inclusive of all students is crucial in the building of a makerspace. Only choosing to put art supplies into the makerspace would benefit a limited number of students who enjoy creating art, while adding model building and electronic STEM kits alongside the art supplies would reach a broader audience.

Works Cited:

Sheila F Baker, and Bonnie Alexander. “A MAJOR MAKING UNDERTAKING: A NEW LIBRARIAN TRANSFORMS A MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY INTO A MAKERSPACE ALIGNED TO HIGH SCHOOL CAREER ENDORSEMENTS.” Knowledge Quest, vol. 46, no. 5, American Library Association, 2018, pp. 64–69.

Blakemore, Megan. “Problem Scoping: Design Thinking & Close Reading: Makerspaces in the School Library.” Knowledge Quest, vol. 46, no. 4, American Library Association, 2018, pp. 66–69.

Makerspace. Accessed 24 May 2022. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1f/74/72/1f7472c909c78d6cc82c43c5a5162db6.jpg

Nikki D Robertson. “Expanding School Library Collections: The Makerspace Edition.” Knowledge Quest, vol. 48, no. 2, American Library Association, 2019, pp. 8–14.