Makerspace Librarianship – SJSU | School of Information

Published: August 15th, 2023 by Hannah
Nguyen

Makerspaces have become a staple in many libraries around the
country, and it’s easy to see why they are a match made in
heaven. These collaborative spaces offer equipment, software, or
supplies to help patrons create and innovate. Ideally, they are
designed to reflect what their community wants, which means that
no two makerspaces are alike. They can house anything from arts
and crafts supplies to 3d printers, to a podcast studio. Patrons
might use them to create physical objects, play music, or design
a virtual reality room. Here are some tips for those interested
in pursuing makerspace librarianship.

1. Make Things

If you’re interested in makerspace librarianship, a great place
to start is just by making things. It’s important to exercise
your creativity, learn about the maker community, and share
ideas. I recently visited a few different makerspaces at some of
the libraries near me to see what they had to offer, and I found
a thriving community of passionate people at each. I wasn’t sure
what to expect when I reserved an hour-long spot at an embroidery
machine on a Saturday afternoon. I
had never used the equipment before, but I had a blank sweatshirt
and an idea. I walked away with a Pride and Prejudice inspired
hoodie and inspiration for future projects. There’s an obvious
benefit in providing machines that are either expensive, or too
specialized for home-use to the public, but the collaboration
component is equally valuable. From just one hour, I could tell
that there were “Makerspace regulars”, a community of volunteers,
and an enthusiasm for sharing ideas and information. If you want
to get involved in library makerspaces professionally, you may
need to show examples of things you’ve made. Document what you
create and think about the process as you work. You may need to
try a few different methods, or explain the steps to someone
else.    

2. Start Small

Perhaps you already work at a library, and you want to offer a
makerspace or creation corner. You can start small and show a
proof of concept to get stakeholders on board. I recently
attended a talk at CLA’s Annual conference where Trina Camping
from Woodland Public Library shared how they started their
makerspace and maker camps. An audience member asked what the
best equipment to start with was. Trina answered that button
makers were cost-effective, versatile, and incredibly popular.
Apparently, despite its name, button makers can be used to make a
variety of items, such as pins, earrings, keychains, magnets, or
bottle openers. It’s definitely possible to create a successful
program with a limited budget. I
took my kids to a makerspace at a small branch library nearby
where kids were encouraged to bring their bikes inside to
decorate. My daughter is thrilled with the personalized license
plate she made by decorating and laminating cardstock. Seeking
grant funding to grow the project will be easier if you can show
there is community engagement and interest.

3. Know Your Audience

Makerspaces can vary greatly; some are geared more toward STEM
activities, like coding, or robotics, some appeal to crafters by
offering sewing machines or a Cricut, and some are well suited
for recording and editing audio or video. You will need to spend
time learning what will make the biggest impact in your
community. You have a captive audience with the people who
already visit the library; providing a makerspace will just be
another reason for them to love it. Talk to them, send them
surveys, find out what will draw them in. But don’t stop there!
As information professionals, we may be used to the idea that
libraries can have makerspaces, but this is a unique opportunity
to reach members of the community who do not regularly visit the
library. You may discover that there are already multiple maker
communities near you who could offer guidance or other forms of
partnership. Use your outreach skills to reach out to local
schools, homeschool coops, retirement communities, and more.
There is a tremendous amount of potential for these shared spaces
with just a little creativity.

Additional Resources:

• Make Magazine has helpful
  resources and a thriving online community
• Learn new creative skills on SkillShare (you may have
  free access through your public library)

Two More Things…

Here are a few job opportunities that might be of interest!

Also, remember that internships can be an especially valuable
part of your learning experience at the iSchool while also
helping you when it comes time to look for jobs. Learn more about
the iSchool’s internship program here,
where you can check out the INFO 294 Student Handbook as
well as the Internship Sites
database.