Staffing a Makerspace
People are more important to the success of a makerspace than money or technology. Why? Staff set the tone for the space. A positive makerspace tone encourages playfulness and experimentation. It encourages users to try new things, be willing to fail and to try again.
Staff members do not need to be experts. They do need adequate training and professional development so they can knowledgeably assist patrons. Staff will need continued support as the makerspace develops. They need a venue for communicating their thoughts, their frustrations and their ideas. A makerspace requires management, scheduling, materials procurement, training and clean up; staff will need support as they take on these new responsibilities.
When planning a new space, it is vital to generate staff buy-in. All staff need to be informed with open communication and free discussion. Well-researched plans that are presented with enthusiasm are persuasive, as is the support of key individuals. When new ideas are presented staff will want to know the answers to basic questions:
Volunteers from partner organizations can be a vital part of staffing a makerspace. Volunteer experts can teach patrons to use technology and tools. They can run programs. Additionally, volunteers from outside of the library can help build important relationships with the community.
Staff members do not need to be experts. They do need adequate training and professional development so they can knowledgeably assist patrons. Staff will need continued support as the makerspace develops. They need a venue for communicating their thoughts, their frustrations and their ideas. A makerspace requires management, scheduling, materials procurement, training and clean up; staff will need support as they take on these new responsibilities.
When planning a new space, it is vital to generate staff buy-in. All staff need to be informed with open communication and free discussion. Well-researched plans that are presented with enthusiasm are persuasive, as is the support of key individuals. When new ideas are presented staff will want to know the answers to basic questions:
- What technology will be offered in the makerspace?
- What kinds of programming?
- Where will the makerspace be?
- Why is the library building a makerspace?
- When will it be complete?
- How will this change staff duties?
- How is it being paid for?
- Who will use the space?
- Who will manage the space?
- Who will assist patrons?
Volunteers from partner organizations can be a vital part of staffing a makerspace. Volunteer experts can teach patrons to use technology and tools. They can run programs. Additionally, volunteers from outside of the library can help build important relationships with the community.