Makerspaces in Libraries

November 15, 2015

Libraries are different things to diverse populations. For some, the library is a place for study or research. For others, it's a community hub, a social meeting place. Increasingly, with the addition of multifunctional, interactive creative spaces where people gather to build, experiment, and innovate, the library as an idea incubator is coming into its own. Whether they host programming code camps or provide arts and crafts or fabrication tools, Hacker spaces, Fab Labs, and Maker spaces are examples of ways that both public and academic libraries in the United States and Europe are finding new ways to engage with users. Maker space advocates Willingham (Food Allergy Field Guide) and De Boer (Bibliotheekservice Fryslan, Netherlands) provide a brief overview and history of Maker spaces in libraries before launching into a well-written practical guide to these innovation centers. Case studies, equipment, project and event ideas, tips and tricks for getting started, funding, policies and procedures, and recommended further reading are all included. VERDICT Recommended for librarians, administrators, and staff considering a foray into Maker spaces.--Linda Frederiksen, Washington State Univ. Lib., Vancouver

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.