A makerspace is a community space where people come together with technology or tools to collaborate and create. The definition of makerspaces
is very broad. In these community spaces, users might produce music,
make solar-powered robots or print 3D prototypes. Media Labs are a more
specialized type of space, one where the tools focus on technology
needed for digital creation. Makerspaces and media labs go by many
other names: hacker spaces, tinker spaces, fab labs, media commons,
learning labs, tech shops and idea labs are commonly used names. There are independent makerspaces, as well as makerspaces on university campuses and in museums. Makerspaces are a
global phenomenon. Whatever they are called, they share the goal of learning and
creation through hands on experimentation. This website will use the
term makerspace.
Many libraries are now offering makerspaces. There is a tradition of making in libraries. Quilting groups are an early example. The core values of librarianship include access, democracy, education and lifelong learning and intellectual freedom. Makerspaces in libraries level the playing field by offering access to knowledge and technology. Makerspaces can create civic engagement and teach economically valuable skills. Makerspaces give libraries an opportunity to be on the leading edge of technology.
School libraries are interested in makerspaces because of the critical and analytical thinking skills that are developed. Makerspaces can incorporate Art with the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Public libraries share these educational goals. In addition, makerspaces give libraries a new way to reach out to children, teens, hobbyists and job seekers. Some public library makerspaces have been designed exclusively for teens. Academic libraries can use makerspace technologies to support class projects, research and instruction.
Many libraries are now offering makerspaces. There is a tradition of making in libraries. Quilting groups are an early example. The core values of librarianship include access, democracy, education and lifelong learning and intellectual freedom. Makerspaces in libraries level the playing field by offering access to knowledge and technology. Makerspaces can create civic engagement and teach economically valuable skills. Makerspaces give libraries an opportunity to be on the leading edge of technology.
School libraries are interested in makerspaces because of the critical and analytical thinking skills that are developed. Makerspaces can incorporate Art with the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Public libraries share these educational goals. In addition, makerspaces give libraries a new way to reach out to children, teens, hobbyists and job seekers. Some public library makerspaces have been designed exclusively for teens. Academic libraries can use makerspace technologies to support class projects, research and instruction.
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Makerspace Buzzwords:
- Hands-on
- Innovative
- Technology
- Creation
- Experimentation
- Interest-based
- Critical Thinking
- Accessible
- Collaborative
- 21st Century Learning
Website born April 26, 2014. Website created by Mary Sustar for UIUC's Graduate School of Library and Information Science course LIS 490TEL. April 2014.