Have It Your Way: Designing a Library Makerspace to Support Creativity and Innovation

Abstract

Makerspaces are growing in many types of libraries, but have you considered adding one to your library? The creators of an academic library makerspace will share their progress over two years, starting with a 3D printer on the circulation desk, then gathering craft materials and equipment into a corner of the library, and now inhabiting a dedicated makerspace room with a laser cutter and a growing array of user expectations. Key to the development of the makerspace has been holding educational workshops to demonstrate equipment and projects and get people equipped to start making things. Most recently, their focus has been on integrating creative activities into the curriculum through working with a group of faculty members from a diverse set of disciplines. Reflections on these activities will be shared by the presenters as they discuss budgets, programming, and ways to sustain makerspace activities in a small campus setting.