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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.

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