Makerspaces in Practice: Successful Models for Implementation

by Ellyssa Kroski (Editor)

According to a Library Journal survey, 89 percent of public libraries now offer maker programming. And they're increasingly popular at academic and school libraries too. More than a decade since they first began to crop up they continue to transform and revitalize libraries, tapping into patron creativity and fostering collaboration. In this follow-up to her bestselling The Makerspace Librarians Sourcebook, Kroski gathers trailblazers of the maker movement to share their experiences and success stories. This volume is packed with programs and ideas you’ll be excited to implement at your own library. Learn what’s working (and what’s not) through first-hand perspectives on such topics as

survey results showing the most popular makerspace programs;
6 common makerspace challenges and the solutions to meet them;
examples of successful local partnerships for public, academic, and school libraries;
establishing norms that encourage safety and peer learning;
meeting the needs of explorers, learners, and experts in your maker community;
practical operational guidance, such as workflows for maintaining supplies like scissors, glue, and 3D printer filament;
hardware and software choices that improve accessibility;
new developments in 3D printers and modeling software;
cataloging and circulating maker kits for crafting, soldering, and other projects;
budgeting tips, including how to plan for ongoing operational costs;
measuring outcomes in public library makerspaces; and
future developments expected for library makerspaces and equipment.

You'll be introduced to a host of tried and tested programs you can adapt for your own library, helping you support your community through making.

-Per Amazon

264 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2020

About the author

Ellyssa Valenti Kroski is the Director of Innovation & Engagement at the New York Law Institute as well as an award-winning editor and author of 77 books. She is a librarian, an adjunct faculty member at San Jose State University, and an international conference speaker. She can be found at: http://www.amazon.com/author/ellyssa and https://ellyssakroski.com/

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Today I lived up to the stereotype that "all librarians do is read all day." Yes, I was "on the clock." Yes, I'm a librarian. Yes, I read this while working. This is probably the first time in my nearly 30 year career that I've actually read an actual book (aside from when I did storytimes) -- cover to cover -- while working. I thought it was worth noting. That is all.

As for the book itself ... it reinforced much of what I've learned over the past 3 years. Nice to know we're not alone! And, there were a few little gems of information gleaned from the read.