Makerspaces: Where, How, and Why?

In the current education climate, makerspaces in a school library are a waste of time and a waste of money. Proof of this can be found in Kurti, Kjuri and Flemming’s work on educational makerspaces, which claims that “one of the most important considerations in the educational makerspace environment is how to invite curiosity”. The American education system is where curiosity goes to die, plus there are more pressing matters such as art, theatre, music, and libraries that should be funded before investing in fad to support a fad (STEAM). In order for education to be effective, schools need to stop chasing fads. Public libraries, however, must chase fads in order to stay relevant in the public eye. As a result, public libraries need to work in close conjunction with schools. The Atlantic magazine recognized that public libraries are making large investments in the “maker movement”, however if the public is not properly educated on the use of makerspaces, they are inherently useless. Ferrum College, a private institution, is floating the idea of a mobile maker space (Burke 2015) —or makerspace pieces.

IDEALLY:

If schools fostered curiosity and didn’t teach a test, and taught to teach and not fabricate statistics to attract more students, if we actually wanted to build an effective makerspace system, the neighborhood public library would be home base. The local school district would have a staffed floating makerspace system floating amongst a small group of middle and high schools providing basic training and the same platform as the public system, so that students are able to use both systems interchangeably. 

Burke, John. (2015). Making Sense: Can Makerspaces Work in Academic Libraries. https://sc.lib.miamioh.edu/handle/2374.MIA/5212

Kurti, R Steven; Kurti, Debby L; Fleming, Laura. (2014). The Philosophy of Educational      Makerspaces Part 1 of Making an Educational Makerspace. 
 https://search-proquest.com.libproxy.sdsu.edu/docview/1548230083?pq-origsite=gscholar

Tierney, John. (2015). “How Makerspaces Help Local Economies:. The Atlantic.https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/04/makerspaces-are-remaking-local                economies/390807/

Cloud Computing in Libraries

LIBRARIES AND CLOUD COMPUTING 

By Rosemary Rico 

Cloud computing refers to a form of storing and accessing your information (data) over the Internet vs storing data on hardware servers. In the word of digital information, cloud computing is on the rise and will likely continue to rise. For libraries, cloud computing makes a lot of sense because it literally provides instant access to information when needed—something libraries specialize in. Digital materials like e-books are available and accessible because of cloud computing systems. Cloud computing systems allows for that digital inter-connectedness and accessibility of information (Hardy).

There appears to be some debate over the positive impact of cloud computing models, while some say that cloud computing will destroy jobs, which once were integral for hardware servers and networks. Others say that existing jobs will not be destroyed, but rather replaced and redefined as well as added to fit the new digital technology—but no one can say for certain what that will look like in the coming years (Kenney).

Although cloud computing does offer easy and instant access to data over the Internet, it is not a perfect system. Cloud computing is susceptible to security flaws like any Internet based system would be, such as stealing or loss of information through hacking (Metz). Physical hardware servers also face similar security risks as well.

Modern libraries take advantage of cloud computing to create a wider net of accessibility of information to the public especially as there is a big push towards and interest in digital materials. 

Works Cited

Hardy, Quentin. "Cloud Computing Systems Lead the Big Data Revolution." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2018. Opposing Viewpoints In Context, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/apps/doc/MDGQZH179357633/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=bbcfe35a. Originally published as "The Next Industrial Revolution Will Be in the Cloud," Foundation for Economic Freedom, 7 Aug. 2017.

Kenney, Martin, and John Zysman. "The rise of the platform economy." Issues in Science and Technology, vol. 32, no. 3, 2016, p. 61+. Opposing Viewpoints In Context, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/apps/doc/A451148625/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=ab0495bc.

Metz, Cade, and Nicole Perlroth. "2 Big Flaws Discovered In Nearly All Computers." New York Times, 4 Jan. 2018, p. B1(L). Opposing Viewpoints In Context, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/apps/doc/A521259923/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=ad677db0.

Makerspaces

MAKERSPACES ENCOURAGE LEARNING

By Rosemary Rico

Part of the new wave of forward thinking libraries is the inclusion of places called “Makerspaces.” So what is a Makerspace? Makerspaces are a lot like how they sound. They are collaborative work spaces set aside for the specific purposes of allowing others to create/ discover/ and pursue new ideas, creations and interests (Blakemore). Makerspaces encourages creativity, invention, discussion, passions and sharing of ideas (Sierra). Makerspaces offer individuals the chance to lean through the act of questioning and doing—and although makerspaces can include high tech devices such as 3D printers, laptops, and video cameras, they don’t need to or be required to have these and makerspaces can be done with lower budgets,  using what is easily available (Bolkan).  

Makerspaces are important spaces to discover and share new ideas with others and are being utilized in libraries, classrooms and other community oriented spaces. Makerspaces in classrooms may correspond to particular areas of study or topics—but makerspaces in libraries, individuals can choose what to create/collaborate/ or discuss and can pursue any interest  they want—all while utilizing the resources of the libraries to delve deeper into their passions. These kinds of spaces are part of the 21st century libraries—where literacy through reading printed books are not the only things encouraged in libraries (Sierra). Makerspaces are becoming popular and I certainly hope to see these kinds of spaces in every library and every school in the future.

🔻WATCH THIS🔻

"The library of the future" is a Ted Talk video explaining more about makerspaces and shows examples of how it can look like in a library. 

To view another example of a makerspace in libraries, watch "Rockwood Library Makerspace" a youtube video featuring the makerspace at Rockwood Library from The Library Foundation. 

Works Cited:

Blakemore, Megan. "Problem Scoping: Design Thinking & Close Reading Makerspaces in the School Library." Knowledge Quest, vol. 46, no. 4, Mar/Apr2018, pp. 66-69. EBSCOhost, login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=128199635&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Bolkan, Joshua. "Integrating Makerspaces throughout the Curriculum." T H E Journal, vol. 45, no. 2, Mar/Apr2018, pp. 20-23. EBSCOhost, login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=128565505&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Sierra, Kristin. "If You Build It, They Will Come: How I Started a Makerspace from Scratch." Knowledge Quest, vol. 46, no. 2, Nov/Dec2017, pp. 42-48. EBSCOhost, login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=125991982&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE

By Rosemary Rico 

BYOD or “Bring Your Own Device” is a term that references the practice of allowing the use of an individuals own personal devices (phones, tablets, laptops). This term applies frequently to work place employees and also in educational spaces such as schools. As there is a need to increase greater access to technology and mobility BYOD is a practice that is currently on the rise within the workplace and within classrooms.

Certainly there are advantages to BOYD policies as well as potential issues that should be considered when allowing a BOYD policy. For workplace policies, employers should consider that personal devices with workplace sensitive or business privileged information would be at a higher risk without investing in software programs such as anti-virus or data protection and recovery programs (Hodge). There are advantages to BOYD in the workplace such as increasing efficiency with greater workplace mobility—there is a constant connection to the workplace, everywhere you go. So since devices such as cell phones would be used for business purposes during work hours and for personal reasons after work hours (such as online shopping or internet browsing)—these are important considerations to think of (Hodge).

BOYD policies within classrooms and education also face advantages and potential issues that should be considered. Schools face an increasing pressure to provide greater access to the internet and to technology with tighter and tighter budget constraints (Cavanagh). It is schools like this that may benefit the most from BOYD policies. One such advantage of BOYD within the classrooms is giving students a sense of ownership in which they are responsible for their learning and their actual devices (Thompson). Potential concerns within the classroom would be the threat of distractions and unwanted personal usage such as texting during lessons. Teachers would need to understand and anticipate these potential concerns and create an engaging lesson plan to deter this kind of behavior so that the devices are only used when appropriate. Success of BOYD comes down to how prepared the teachers and educators are for various devices of various ages being used in the classroom (Thompson).

Works Cited: 

Cavanagh, Sean. "Districts Turn 'BYOD' Disorder to Their Advantage; Flexibility sought in dealing with sea of devices." Education Week, 11 June 2015, p. 26. Opposing Viewpoints In Context, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/apps/doc/A418872041/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=13fd9efc.

Hodge, Ian. "How to protect your business secrets in the age of smartphones." Australian [National, Australia], 23 Nov. 2013, p. 44. Opposing Viewpoints In Context, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/apps/doc/A349991774/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=2977802c.

Thompson, Greg. "3 Keys to a Successful 1-To-1 and BYOD Implementation." T H E Journal, vol. 44, no. 5, Fall2017, pp. 14-18. EBSCOhost, login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=126029338&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

The Demise of School Libraries

NO MORE LIBRARIES IN SCHOOLS?

By Rosemary Rico

It’s no secret that libraries in school have been disappearing—the reasons behind this seem to be varied, but mostly notably because of decreasing budgets, changing curriculum and digital demands within schools.  This decline has been happening all over the U.S and even in Canada and the U.K.  In some places, what was once the school library is now the “computer lab” or the “digital media center” in which the emphasis is not on books and printed material, but on computer technologies, Internet access and digital materials (Bradley). One such example of this shift in focus is BiblioTech— a library located in San Antonio Texas and is the first and only public library to have an entirely digital collection (Should libraries get rid of printed books). This seems to align with current data about how students and young people are more likely to use the Internet and other computer technologies to find information.  Despite this, there is research that indicates people tend to focus and concentrate better when reading in print and actually prefer reading physical books (Should libraries get rid of printed books).

The increasing use of digital media materials is not the only reason for declines in school libraries. Other concerns are school budgets in which there has been a reduction of funding in libraries and library staff over the years. Although this is not in every case all across the board—as school libraries did see a 20 percent increase in budget in the 2015-2016 school year. Despite this unexpected bump in budget, funding levels remain low in comparison to past years (Barack).

Another contributing reason for the decline of school libraries appears to be the shift to testing focused school work in which students are not required to do as much independent research work. Taking this idea into account, school administrators don’t see the library as a vital or essential space and when there is a decision that pits the library against the gym or a science lab—it seems libraries are often left out (Morrison)

There are many still who will still say that, not only school libraries, but all libraries are becoming obsolete. This is a disturbing thought. Libraries are sometimes the only open, free and available space for surrounding communities to gather and to have access to free information, programs and creative and quiet spaces. And for some individuals libraries are the only place to go for these things. This applies to students as well—who would benefit from a place that encourages imagination, discovery and contemplation. If children are taught to value books, information and libraries then they can utilize libraries resources the most. I think school libraries will need to be  adaptable to the technologies of our current age and will need to be creative to meet the needs of students/and or the public--but there should be a balance. And I definitely think there is still room and value in the traditional printed books of the library. 

🔻WATCH THIS🔻

If you would like to watch a short video about BiblioTech, you can here at NBC Learn

You can also view "A Library Card May Get You More Than You Think" to learn about how some libraries are staying relevant by being creative and flexible. 

Works Cited:

Barack, Lauren. "School Library Budgets Rise 20%, Yet Challenges Remain | Spending Survey 2016." School Library Journal, 13 Apr. 2016, https://www.slj.com/2016/04/budgets-funding/school-library-budgets-rise-20-yet-challenges-remain-spending-survey-2016/.

Bradley, Andrew. "School libraries face a bleak future as leaders try to balance the books." The Guardian, 6 Apr. 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2016/apr/06/school-libraries-bleak-future-leaders-balance-books.   

Morrison, Oliver. "School Libraries in N.Y.C., Elsewhere Feeling the Squeeze." Education Week, vol. 34, no. 24, 18 Mar. 2015, p. 10. EBSCOhost, login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=101636246&site=ehost-live&scope=site.  

"Should libraries get rid of printed books?" Junior Scholastic/Current Events, 25 Apr. 2016, p. 22+. Opposing Viewpoints In Context, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/apps/doc/A452051244/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=690a69fd..    

Makerspaces

Blogger: Erika Stuart

Many people may ask, “What Is a Makerspace?” Well a makerspace is a workspace in a public or private facility like a school or library, in which people come to create and explore their creative side by making projects or doing experiments with others. Makerspaces can have a variety of materials and tools for people to use, from simple art supplies like pencils and paper to high tech machines like computers and 3D printers. The idea of spaces to make things goes back to the 1960 when School libraries were first being transformed into multimedia centers. The article "Maker Spaces and the Learning Commons." Talks about these original spaces where kids would make hand drawn posters and transparencies, learn to use cameras and make slideshows.

According to the article “Understanding Makerspace Continuance” by: Han, “Makerspaces are places for people to turn their ideas into products and also benefit users by offering training and use of shared tools.” This Journal article does a great job at explaining what a makerspace is and its purpose. Makerspaces may be popular, but due to cost and other factors, they are hard to keep open continually. People like to come and create things but will get tired of going all the time and attendance will drop. The article also gives some ideas on how to renew interest and keep the spaces relevant. People like learning how to use new equipment like 3D printers or fancy programs. Having these items available and having workshops to teach people how to use them, will help bring people back into the space.

The Article “Time to tinker: Bringing Maker Spaces to Younger Patrons”, talks about their makerspace program and how it is affecting the kids that come. It talks about parent’s reactions and how it is helping the families in their community connect with each other. These programs are helping families find fun ideas to do together, and the more advanced programs are helping kids keep their interest in science and art. Maker spaces are a great way to learn, create, and explore your creativity. We should spend the time and effort building them up and keeping them interesting and relevant.

References:

Han, Sang-Yeal, Jaeheung Yoo, Hangjung Zo, and Andrew P. Ciganek. "Understanding Makerspace Continuance: a Self-Determination Perspective." Telematics and Informatics. 34.4 (2017): 184-195. Print.

Loertscher, D.V. "Maker Spaces and the Learning Commons." Teacher Librarian. 39.6 (2012): 45-46. Print.

SCHEER, CAROL L. "Time to Tinker." Children & Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children, vol. 15, no. 1, Spring2017, pp. 16-18.

Cloud Computing in Libraries

Blogger: Erika Stuart

“The Cloud” you hear it all the time, but do you really understand what it is? Many people think that by storing the pictures in the cloud that they are just floating out there waiting to be re-downloaded and while that may be partially true, cloud computing is not really like a cloud at all. Its not floating out in space just waiting. Cloud computers are a network of different servers that back-up all the information sent to them and can be accessed through the internet to store and manage data. They are physical places with machines where the data is downloaded and stored, similar to your home computer. One difference is that these places have a ton more memory space and can be accessed by other devices over the internet. There are two main types of clouds, public clouds where anyone can access with the right information, and private clouds, giving access to a selected group with no access from outside. There is also something called a hybrid cloud that incorporates both of these previous clouds.

The article by Bansode & Pujar called “Cloud Computing and Libraries” states that the biggest example of cloud computing being used is Gmail. It says “Google Apps being free for educational institutions is widely used for running different applications, especially the email services, which was earlier run using their own computer servers. This has saved cost for the organizations as they pay per use for applications and services and time for the computer staff, which they can invest on running other services and need not worry about upgrading, backup, compatibility, and maintenance of servers, which is taken care of by Google.”  

Library Staff is not always trained or equipped to maintain servers, by having cloud computing, they don’t have to spend money to train someone or for someone else to come in and maintain them. Like any new technology security is always a risk. Some libraries split their programs between the cloud and personal servers; storing patron info on their own server while everything else is stored in the cloud. By using cloud computing in libraries staff can effectively save time and money, increasing their budget for books and other services. With library budget cuts this seems like a great way to go.

References

Bansode, S.y., and S.m. Pujar. “Cloud Computing and Libraries.” Journal of Library & Information Technology, DESIDOC , 1 Nov. 2012, 

Rittinghouse, John W, and James F. Ransome. Cloud Computing: Implementation, Management, and Security. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2010. Internet resource.

BYOD

Blogger: Erika Stuart

BYOD or more commonly known as (Bring your own device) is a concept that started in the business world. This concept is about allowing employees to bring and use their own personal devices at work and even in some cases for work. Many people in business have two cellphones or two computers for the convince of keeping their work and home separate, but since those lines are getting fuzzier every day, many people have started using their personal devices for work purposes.

While this may be a good way to save big corporations money by not having to buying phones and computers for their employees, one of the biggest challenges that come with BOYD is security. While major companies have big security systems and firewalls, many personal computers may just have the basic protection. By allowing employees to bring in personal devices and connect them to the system, they run the risk of being hacked or getting a virus from the unprotected computers on their network. Aside from the risk of security, some companies also fear that letting employees use personal devices will decrease productivity. The article by Hughes titled “Bring Your Own Device or Bring Your Own Disruption?” Discusses the problems and some successful ways of bringing a BYOD policy into a company.

The concept of BYOD is spreading out from just the business world, its making its way into colleges, schools and libraries as well as other places. One way that the BYOD programs are proving beneficial are in schools. In the article by Kiger and Herro, called "Bring Your Own Device: Parental Guidance (pg) Suggested” it states that schools are embracing the BYOD policy due to increasing popularity of mobile computing and wanting to provide students greater access to technology, but with increasingly tighter budgets making it impossible the idea of BYOD is appealing. While mobile learning is on the rise, schools will have to face the issues of responsibility that come with allowing students to bring and use their own devices, as well as providing access to those students who do not have any devices to bring. Their article goes more into concept results and application in this department.

Another place BYOD may soon be making an appearance is in libraries. While not common yet, the increase in technology and eBooks is making staff need to be more technologically savvy to help their patrons. By allowing a BYOD policy, staff members can share the devices that they own and show other members how they work without the library spending money on devices and training that patrons may not use. The following is a link to another blog about this specific BYOD area.

Is Your Library Ready for BYOD? » Public Libraries Online

I hope this explained a little about BYOD and that you research more about it and decide for yourself if you think this kind of policy is good or not.

References

Hughes, J. "Bring Your Own Device or Bring Your Own Disruption? How to Handle the Mulitude of Challenges." Health Management Technology. 36.4 (2015): 14-5. Print.

Kiger, Derick, and Dani Herro. "Bring Your Own Device: Parental Guidance (pg) Suggested." Techtrends : Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learninga Publication of the Association for Educational Communications & Technology. 59.5 (2015): 51-61. Print.

Lyttle, Melanie A, and Sean D Walsh. “Is Your Library Ready for BYOD?” Public Libraries Online, Public Library Association, 6 June 2013, publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/06/is-your-library-ready-for-byod/.

The Demise of School Libraries

Blogger: Erika Stuart

            Libraries are an important part of our education. From the time we are in Kindergarten through our college years, we use our school libraries to help us excel further in our education by reading books and improving comprehension to doing research for homework and papers.

The school library has always been a safe haven for the quiet and the curious. In recent years though increase in technology has affected the use of school libraries. Many students in high school only enter the library if their class goes in to use the computers. Students now tend to do their research at home online. While some people may think this advancement makes libraries useless, it should actually make them more important. Librarians need to teach students how to do research correctly. Many students will google their topic and use the first things they see as legitimate sources, and while some information on the internet is accurate, these students need to be able to find credible sources. This need for educated research is only one reason school libraries are still important.

Budget cuts have also negatively affected school libraries in an article called Advocating for the School Library Budget, Published by Teacher Librarian, it stated “The library budget in too many schools consists of whatever can be begged, borrowed, or purchased through fund-raising or grant-writing efforts.” This creates a problem because if the school library has little to no budget, it can’t afford the databases and resources that students rely on for their education much less new materials like books for the students to read. Some school library budgets have been cut so much that they even share librarians. I recently met a library technician who works at two different elementary schools in the same district; alternating them every other week. One week the library is open and then closed the next, on top of that there is no librarian on-hand. The school is part of a program with other schools in the district where they have one librarian who monitors all of the schools. The technician at the school has to write up a book list and send it to the librarian who approves them or denies them. The librarian may visit the school library once in a year to check up, but other than that the school libraries are run by the technician.

In 2011 the New York Times did an article talking about how schools are squeezing out librarians due to budget cuts. People don’t seem to realize how important School libraries and librarians are. They are letting this useful asset to education slip between the cracks.

References:

       Kachel, Debra. "Advocating for the School Library Budget." Teacher Librarian, vol. 45, no. 2, Dec. 2017, pp. 48-50.

       Santos, Fernanda. “Schools Eliminating Librarians as Budgets Shrink.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 24 June 2011, https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/25/nyregion/schools-eliminating-librarians-as-budgets-shrink.html 

       Siu-Runyan, Yvonne. “Public and School Libraries in Decline: When We Need Them.” The Council Chronicle, Sept. 2011.