A makerspace is an area in a library where users can use tools and equipment to design, build, and create all sorts of different things. It may be a dedicated room or a multipurpose space into which a collection of raw materials and resources can be utilized as desired. Projects range from prototyping product designs with 3D printers to programming robots to creating art out of recycled items.
Library Makerspaces: The Complete Guide is a comprehensive road map for libraries of any size, with any budget, seeking to redesign or repurpose space or to develop creative hands on, maker style programming. It features guidance on:
*Holding stakeholder discovery sessions for truly community driven space and program development
*Evaluating existing library spaces for most cost effective and user friendly facilities design and programming
*Asset Mapping for developing community partnerships
*Best practices from different types of library makerspaces in the U.S. and internationally
*Sample budgets, inventories and space plans
*Risk Management considerations
*Programming recommendations and resources for range of patrons from youth to seniors, business and hobby groups
*Funding and in-kind support
This book will help librarians develop and implement makerspaces, write grant proposals to fund such spaces, and help front line staff and administrators learn about the technologies and processes involved.
Industry Reviews
A remarkable guide for librarians who want to know more about makerspaces, this volume provides a wealth of up-to-date information about types of makerspaces and their communities, whether academic, public, community, independent, or fee based. The book's ten chapters offer information about creation, programs, policies, inventories, and facilities. A plethora of excellent examples, case studies, and references provide evidence of the great variety and depth of existing makerspaces that have succeeded and a few that could have done better. Willingham and her fellow contributors are leaders in the field and have trained hundreds of librarians and others in the creation and effective use of spaces. Librarians will appreciate the discussion of community involvement, budget development, and scale of space. Timely given the contemporary turn from a traditional culture of producers to a culture of consumers, this interesting guidebook puts the focus on communities (of all sorts) that have spaces dedicated to making, creating, and producing.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, and professionals.
