Why Makerspaces are a Good Fit for Libraries

We’ve been asked many questions since word started spreading about our intention to create a makerspace in the library. What kind of equipment will you have? Will it be open to the public? Will you charge a fee? How much will you charge? These are all very valid questions, but the one that struck me most was the question why would the library open a makerspace? I usually struggle with putting my thoughts into words. Luckily, I recently read a blog written by Diana Rendina titled 5 Reasons Makerspace Belong in School Libraries

Some of her reasons included educational value in play and how makerspace projects can enrich school curriculum, but it was her idea that makerspaces give all students access to the same resources that resonated with me most. It speaks to our ultimate goal. To develop a space where you can collaborate and create with everyone, regardless of what you are currently studying.

The ability to have access to all the equipment, tools and software that will be available in our I-Create Lab generates boundless possibilities. When I was a student, there were many times that I wanted to create something, either for a project for class or personal use. However, I was of limited means and any equipment available on campus was often confined to a field of study I did not belong to. These are the gaps we would like to fill with the library’s new I-Create Lab.

Imagine you’re an engineering student and you just had a fantastic idea for a clothing line, but you don’t know how to sew and you don’t own a sewing machine. The I-Create Lab can fill that gap for you. You can collaborate with a student who has sewing skills. They can teach you their skills and you in turn can lend your engineering skills to the collaborative group.

With our goal firmly in our minds we have experienced a flurry of activity this first week of the semester. Unboxing equipment, setting it up and most importantly playing. We hope that you read this and are enticed to come visit and play. We can’t wait to see what you create.

Sylvia Sanchez

i-create-equipment

We invite you to attend our I-Create Lab Open House
Daily, January 29 – 31
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
I-Create Lab (Bell Library on the 2nd floor where the Media Lab used to be)
Demonstrations and Workshops happening throughout the day