A Makerspace is a learning environment rich with possibilities. As new hardware and software tools for making, digital design, and fabrication are emerging, we’re working together — with teachers and community leaders — to place those tools into the hands of a wider audience. We’re building the infrastructure for more kids and adults to connect to a future in which they can personally change, modify or “hack” the physical world, creating things that were nearly impossible to do on their own just a few years ago. Making is about getting hands-on, using these new technologies and basic tools, to do real and personally meaningful work. (Makerspace.com)
A survey in 2013, Makerspaces in libraries, indicated 36% of the respondents were planning on providing a makerspace in their library.
Makerspaces appear in most types of libraries – 9% are in school libraries.
The top 15 technologies or forms of making, that were included in their makerspace were:
Computer workstations 67%
3D printing 46%
Photo editing 45%
Video editing 43%
Computer programming/software 39%
Art and crafts 37%
Scanning photos to digital 36%
Creating a website or online portfolio 34%
Digital music recording 33%
3D modeling 31%
Arduino/Raspberry Pi 30%
Other 30% (included knitting, Lego, etc.)
Animation 28%
High quality scanner 28%
Tinkering 26%
Want to get to understand this a bit more? Then check out this video – Makerspaces in Libraries
Other resources:
A Librarian’s Guide to Makerspaces: 16 Resources