If you are reading this, then you are probably interested in setting up a makerspace in your school library. Or perhaps you already have one and are not sure if you should continue to support a makerspace. What are the benefits? How do you manage resources? And how exactly does it fit into the overall school library ethos?
What is a makerspace?
Makerspaces are collaborative, flexible, creative spaces that enable users to experiment, ideate, innovate, test and create. In school libraries, makerspaces might be small pop-up areas, flexible multi-use spaces, or entire areas dedicated to making. Makerspaces might include technology and robotics, construction tools, Lego, 3D printers, laser cutters and cutting machines, sewing machines, prototyping materials, craft items, and so much more.
Makerspaces promote a creative mindset in students, and a space for trial and error that a traditional classroom might not support.
Why makerspaces in school libraries?
I have watched with interest as makerspaces became a big trend for school libraries and have now kind of filtered out again to sit in the background of the many things school libraries do. However, makerspaces are certainly not a new idea. The DIY and maker culture has long existed in our society, but with a push over the last two decade to include these innovation spaces within school libraries. School libraries are flexible, collaborative, community-based spaces and that aligns perfectly with the mindset behind makerspaces. School libraries provide access and ideas for students, space to challenge, learn and create, and can offer staff and students resources and spaces not available to them in the classroom. Pairing literature with making is a wonderful way to make learning and discovering new ideas very real experiences.
Things to consider
When deciding if you should create or keep a makerspace in your library, there are a few things to consider
Does it fit the vision?
While libraries do so much across so many areas, it’s impossible to do it all. Sometimes fewer projects or focus areas are better. So, does a makerspace fit the focus, vision and goals of your library? Does providing a makerspace fit the vision of your school? If so, how? What is the impact you want your makerspace to have for staff and students.
Space
How much space do you have to dedicate to a makerspace or how much is it already consuming? You don’t need a bigspace to create a makerspace. In fact, using trolleys and trays, your makerspace can be entirely portable. But if you are handing over some of your valuable floor space, you need to consider how much use it will get, if it will impact other library activities and flexible the space can be.
Cost
When costing your makerspace you need to consider initial set up, ongoing purchases and continual maintenance. A makerspace can be created on any budget, from donated recycled materials and basic stationery to elaborate equipment and resource banks. Set yourself a budget and then work to that, remembering to allocate some funds each year to maintenance of the space, resources and equipment you select.
Maintenance
A makerspace requires care, not only to set it up but to keep it tidy, well-stocked, easy to use and inspiring for the students using it. This requires time and energy. Consider, do you have the time to maintain a makerspace and the resources and equipment. Do you have time to create activities or support others in using those activities?
Staffing and supervision
Like any space in the school library, a makerspace requires supervision. Supervision ensures students are using the resources and equipment safely and responsibly and with intention. This is particularly relevant if you are going to have a makerspace with cutting blades or complex equipment, such as 3D printers, that students will need to learn how to operate. If the makerspace is accessible to other classes during the day, especially when the library might already be hosting library lessons, do you have enough staff to maintain supervision or will other staff need to be trained to do this? And will the makerspace be accessible before or after school or during lunch breaks.
Safety plans and equipment
Safety is key in any space in a school but especially in a makerspace. While an element of risk is required to allow students to experiment, learn and create, as much as possible of this risk needs to be managed. This can be done through safety guidelines and routines, clearly documented and shared with students. Your school might have a safety guidelines format or risk assessment to complete.
When selecting equipment, ensure it is as safe as possible and have a plan for monitoring or securing more risky equipment.
Consider how many students can safely use the space at one time and consider ways you can manage this, either with a sign-up sheet, door counter or lanyards.
Basic clean up materials can also increase safety, allowing you to pack up quickly and clean up any spills or broken resources before they become a hazard.