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.