Contents: General Resources | Marketing | Programming Ideas
Resources for Libraries
There are many different resources about makerspaces available for librarians both online and in print. Below is list of resources to get started, but it is by no means exhaustive.
General Resources
The Makerspace Librarian’s Sourcebook, edited by Ellyssa Kroski. 2017, ALA Editions.
- This book provides information about establishing a makerspace, possible programs and activities, as well as strategies for maintaining successful and sustainable makerspaces over the long-term. This book also includes several case studies describing the experiences of real-world library makerspaces, which can be consulted to guide planning.
Makerspaces in Practice: Successful Models for Implementation, edited by Ellyssa Kroski. 2021, ALA Editions.
- This book is a more current volume similar to Kroski’s 2017 book, but with a greater focus on implementing a successful makerspace rather than exploring makerspace activities. The book includes further case studies as well as tips for marketing and ensuring longevity of interest in makerspace activities.
Makerspaces in Libraries. Library Technology Essentials volume 4, by Theresa Willingham and Jeroen De Boer. 2015, Rowman & Littlefield.
- This slim guide provides an overview of the history of makerspaces, hackerspaces, fab labs, and similar creative spaces. It also includes advice for creating a makerspace in a public library, case studies serving as models, and projects to implement in established spaces.
Marketing
Marketing Services and Resources in Information Organizations, by Zhixian Yi. 2018, Chandos Publishing an imprint of Elsevier.
- This is a small volume that thoroughly covers many aspects of marketing. The chapter that covers techniques for promoting services and resources may me of particular interest to libraries looking to attract more users for their makerspaces.
A Note About Marketing
Libraries need to consider how they will advertise and market their programs to their community. It is wise to allocate a modest budget for marketing, while still taking advantage of free forms of advertisement such as social media posts or placing events on the library website. Libraries must also consider what kinds of programs would appeal to their community, and whether the library can collaborate with an existing maker community in their area to boost awareness of library facilities and programs. One interesting tip is that community members may be intimidated by a long-running program series and may be more inclined to attend a one day, pop-up, or special event rather than committing to a weekly activity or joining a weekly program part way through its run. Having an open house could also boost community awareness of what your makerspace can offer.
Programming Ideas
The Maker’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse: Defend Your Base with Simple Circuits, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi, by Simon Monk. 2016, No Starch Press.
- This book contains DIY projects geared towards zombie apocalypse survival such as how to charge a car battery by using solar panels or a bicycle, or how to create various alarms, lights and communication methods.
Meaningful Making: Projects and Inspirations for Fab Labs and Makerspaces, edited by Paulo Blikstein, Sylvia Libow Martinez, and Heather Allen Pang. 2016, Constructing Modern Knowledge Press.
- This book was compiled by a group of K-12 educators and provides anecdotes about existing meaningful maker projects aimed at improving peoples lives and education, as well as a variety of project ideas. The full book can be found virtually through this link.
The Big Book of Makerspace Projects: Inspiring Makers to Experiment, Create, and Learn, by Colleen Graves and Aaron Graves. 2017, McGraw Hill Education.
- This book is filled with a variety of DIY projects, many of them low cost, with a variety of open ended ideas that may inspire library workshops.
More Programming and Project Ideas
Find ideas for ways to use your makerspaces:
Further Resources
Click the button below for some suggestions about where to browse your library shelves.
Find Your Maker Community
Check out the Makerspace Map for similar spaces in your area and across soutern Ontario to connect with.