1. MAKERSPACES:
TRANSLITERACY IN PUBLIC
LIBRARIES
BY ASHLEY DEAN

2. WHAT IS A MAKERSPACE?
• Hackerspaces
• Fab Labs
• Creative Spaces
• Makelabs
• Makerhoods

3. WHAT IS A MAKERSPACE?
“A place where people come
together to create and
collaborate, to share
resources, knowledge, and stuff.”
~ Lauren Britton
Transliteracy Development
Director
Fayetteville Free
Library

4. MAKERSPACE AND THE LIBRARY MISSION
Public Library Association Mission Statement
The Public Library Association enhances the development and
effectiveness of public library staff and public library services. This
mission positions PLA to:
• Focus its efforts on serving the needs of its members
• Address issues which affect public libraries
• Commit to quality public library services that benefit the general public

5. TOOLS OF THE TRADE
3-D
PRINTERS
3-D printers allow users to create
renderings of 3-D objects from a
digital design file.
Atom 3D Printed Guitar by Olaf Diegel
http://blogs.cio.com/hardware/17693/3d-printingmakes-electric-guitars
Printing is similar to 2-D inkjet
printers, with nozzles spraying
substances such as plastic or gels
instead of ink.

6. TOOLS OF THE TRADE
LEGO
•
•
•
•
•
•
Suitable for all ages
Inexpensive
Promotes creativity
Teaches problem solving skills
Improves dexterity
Combines STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) education with
creativity

7. TOOLS OF THE TRADE
CRAFTING
Some libraries may already have
elements of a makerspace:
• Children’s programs
• Workshops in jewelry
making, duct tape crafts, etc.
• Sewing & knitting classes
• Shop class
Maria Carrillo High School
Makerspace
http://makerspace.com/makernews/educators-workshop-review-sewing

8. TOOLS OF THE TRADE
COMPUTERS
Using computers, makers can
create:
• Video games
• Full-length films
• Graphic art
• Mobile apps

9. FUNDING MAKERSPACES
Think outside the box:
• Grant writing
• Competitions
• Crowd-source funding websites
• Sponsorships

10. SAFETY FIRST
A safe makerspace
environment is created by:
•
•
User education of tools
Appropriate protective
gear
• Respect for other users
• Accessible safety
equipment
Safety precaution guidelines when using makerspaces.
http://makerspace.com/ideas/staying-safe-in-makerspaces

11. THE ISSUE OF SPACE
Libraries searching for space have
several options to consider:
• Purchase new space
• Mobile classrooms
• Reimagine current space
Westport Public Library Makerspace
http://www.westportnow.com/index.php?/v2_5/commen
ts/library_launches_maker_space/

12. EXPECTATIONS ON LIBRARY STAFF
“It is our job to create access and develop an environment where
people can come together…As librarians we are the facilitators – we do
not have to be the experts…Our community is full of experts – and so is
yours. Technology teachers, local artists, computer programmers, and
lawyers – these experts…have knowledge that is worth sharing.” ~
Lauren Britton

13. WORKS CITED
Abram, Stephen. "Makerspaces in Libraries, Education, and Beyond." Internet@Schools 20.2 (2013): 18-20. Library & Information
Science Source. Web. 22 Nov. 2013.
Britton, Lauren. "A Fabulous Laboratory: The Makerspace at Fayetteville Free Library." Public Libraries Jul 2012: 30-3. ProQuest.
Web. 26 Nov. 2013 <http://search.proquest.com/docview/1035381466?accountid=42757>.
Cox, Randy. “Video Game Design Class.” 30 November, 2008. Photograph. The Oregonian. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.
Gutsche, Betha. "Makerspaces in Libraries: Patron's Delight, Staff's Dread?" Alki 29.1 (2013): 28-30. Library & Information Science
Source. Web. 22 Nov. 2013.
Kenney, Brian. "Meet Your Makers." Publishers Weekly 260.13 (2013): 20. Library & Information Science Source. Web. 22 Nov.
2013.
"Makerspace Playbook." Makerspace (2012): 17-19. Makerspace. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.
McGuire, Devon. “Educators Workshop Review: Sewing.” 2013. Photograph. Makerspace. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.
"PLA Mission and Goals." American Library Association. American Library Association, June 2010. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.
Untermeyer, Larry. “Library Launches Maker Space.” 2012. Photograph. WestportNow. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.