Skip to main content

Libraries as Community Makerspaces



A makerspace increases the value of a library as a community resource. Why? It provides a place for professionals to pursue their hobbies after their work hours and to explore their creativity in close proximity to books and other resources that inspire and provoke ideas. 

Traditionally, libraries are repositories of books and quiet places of reading. Modern libraries, however, have features that allow them to serve as community resources that function as hubs where people can discuss ideas and plan projects over coffee and snacks. 

Makerspace events allow users to maximize the library as a community resource, as well as promote the library collection. 

HOW TO CREATE LIBRARY MAKERSPACES? 

The formula we use to create a library makerspace is as follows: 

Theme + Collaboration + Resource/Venue Support = Makerspace success! 

Theme 

  • The theme allows the library and its collaborators to link the activity’s theme with purpose and nature of the library. 
  • The subject matter of the project guides the organization of the program, from choosing the sponsors to qualifying the speakers/lecturers to inviting participants. 

Some themes are relevant to specific months, such as July being the nutrition month, etc. Other themes may be created in coordination with various community organizations to enrich and widen the reach of a specific campaign.

Collaboration 

  • Proper communication between participants will identify potential pitfalls and problems early. 
  • The special library and a collaborating organization shares the legwork, including setting up the library space before and after the activity, finding sponsors, and coming up with promotional materials. 

Because the library has limited manpower, the collaborating organization provides additional help with disseminating information, at the very least. Also, promoting the event can be difficult if it's just one or two people working, even with the power of social media. 

Resource/Venue Support 

  • The library adjusts its operations accordingly depending on the demands of the event, e.g., extension of opening hours when the film showing is done at night, opening the library during weekends to accommodate writing workshops.

Some arrangements for payment for electricity and other resources may be necessary. Proper protocol for using library resources, e.g., projector, screens, chairs, etc., must be known to all participants and stakeholders.  All things must be agreed upon and clear-cut for the partnership to work for the long term.

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Best Practices for Library Collaborations and Partnerships with Other Organizations

  Library collaborations and partnerships can work if we consider several factors, many of which have a lot to do with the cultural and economic climate of the region where your library is located.  Similar Perspectives  Unless all organizations in the collaboration agree that “a community can help raise a child reader,” the entire project will be in jeopardy.  We should never forget that there are people that do not believe libraries are still relevant, and if the organization the library is partnering with secretly or outrightly believe so, then the project is doomed from the start.   Examples of Library Collaborations  Some partnership projects your library can join are the following:   a book drive for disaster areas  workshops for slow readers (children/adults)  a recurring storybook reading session  Challenges of Library Collaborations One can dream that all library partnerships will be smooth-sailing, but experience tells us this is never true. One of more of the follow
Read more

The Wife Between Us by Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks: Review of a Psychological Thriller

" The Wife Between Us" is a psychological thriller written by the dynamic duo of Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks. It presents a narrative so engrossing that it's hard to pull away once you dive in.  I chose to read this book because I have a penchant for stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, trying to solve the puzzle alongside the characters. A recommendation from a friend, who couldn't stop talking about the unexpected twists, further sealed the deal. Summary This captivating story revolves around Vanessa, her ex-husband Richard, and his young, seemingly naive fiancée, Nellie. The tale might initially appear to be a simple love triangle, but as you read on, the multiple layers and intricate details start to unfold, making it anything but. The characters grapple with issues like jealousy, control, and complex emotional baggage. The plot is skillfully designed to keep you second-guessing the true motives of each character, making it a riveting read from s
Read more

What Librarians Do in 2024: Keeping Up with Everyone's Needs

Libraries are accessible to everyone... and we mean EVERYONE! Hey there! I'm a librarian, and if there's one thing I know, it's that libraries are not just about books anymore. They're about people – all kinds of people. And in 2024, our job is to make sure we're keeping up with what everyone needs, even as those needs keep changing. So, how do we do that? Let's dive in.   Getting to Know You   First up, we need to really understand who's using the library. This means looking beyond just the numbers and getting to know the community. What languages do they speak? What kind of information are they looking for? Do they need places to study, meet, or even just hang out? The more we know, the better we can be at making the library a welcoming place for everyone.   Technology is Our Friend   These days, almost everyone uses some form of technology, whether it's smartphones, tablets, or laptops. As librarians, we're jumping on this tech train too. We'r
Read more