Makerspaces: What are they and what can you do there? by Aubrey Halman

Have you heard the term “Makerspace” being thrown around, but you’re not sure what it is? In recent years, makerspaces have been popping up in local libraries left and right. As technology advances in the world, so too does it advance within your local library. A study on Makerspaces in the library from Andrews and Boklage (2024) defines makerspaces as an “informal site for creative production in art, science, and engineering where people of all ages blend digital and physical technologies to explore ideas, learn technical skills, and create new products.” Remember when 3D printers came out and everyone wanted one, but they were seen as more of a commodity due to their high pricepoint? While most machines can be pretty costly to purchase, and even the price of the filament could make your eyes bulge, many local libraries now have these machines in their Makerspaces. Makerspaces, simply put, are spaces where people can gather to access new resources and technology that may not be easily available to them. Makerspaces may have programs that allow library patrons to come in and learn a new skill like 3D printing, coding, or even sewing. Patrons can also come in with something they want to do, say 3D print a mini figurine for their upcoming Dungeons and Dragons campaign, and be able to use the 3D printer for a small fee. These spaces make new technologies more accessible to the general public. With the addition of Makerspaces in the library, patrons are benefiting from the ability to learn new skills, explore new technologies, and learn to make new things they likely wouldn’t be able to without the space.

 

 

Works Cited

Andrews, Madison E., and Audrey Boklage. "Alleviating Barriers Facing Students on the Boundaries of STEM Makerspaces." Education Sciences, vol. 14, no. 7, 2024, pp. 772. ProQuest, https://login.palomar.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/alleviating-barriers-facing-students-on/docview/3084730867/se-2, doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14070772.