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

Weekly Facebook Reel Plan 007: Itinerary Planning for a Dream Destination

Planning a dream destination is an exciting theme that many people can relate to. Here's a one-week reel plan focusing on "Itinerary Planning for a Dream Destination":   Day of the Week Concept Execution Monday Budgeting Discuss the estimated costs for the trip and show how to create a budget spreadsheet. Tuesday Flight and Accommodation Research and compare flight options, then demonstrate how to book the best deal. Wednesday Local Transportation Simulate using local transportation apps to plan how to get around the destination. Thursday Must-Visit Spots Show a map and mark the must-visit spots, explaining why each is a can't-miss. Friday Food and Dining Talk about local cuisine and draw up a list of restaurants and food stalls to visit. Saturday Activities and Experiences Take photos of different activities you'd like to do and create a visual day-by-day plan. Sunday Packing List Write down a packing list tailored to the destination and activities, then demonstr...
Read more

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 experi...
Read more

Freelancing is the Dream that Can Bring Financial Freedom

What is freelancing? It is a service-oriented business that involves you, the entrepreneur, and a client who needs help with a project. Before starting on this new world of self-employment, some factors that have to be considered include the following:  your marketable skills,  how much time you can devote to a project, and  how much to charge for your service. Is freelancing lucrative?  What is the point of going into it, and possibly giving up an office job, if it doesn't pay well? Right? Right.
Read more