Makerspaces in the Library
Creating a Makerspace in your Library
In the Don't You Shush Me blog, Low Tech Makerspace in the H.S. Library, Kelsey Bogan (2021) described a makerspace she created in response to disruptive and sometimes destructive behavior the students were displaying during free time in the library. She recognized, at the time, the library was a place for the students to engage in passive activities: reading, studying and scrolling on their phone. Instead of a makerspace tied to academic standards, Bogan identified a need for the students to take a break from the demands of their curriculum. A bookshelf of board games, puzzles and cards was placed in the library. The students did not need to check the items out, just use them in the library and return when they finished. Over time, she added other low-tech and inexpensive items such as coloring sheets and crafts, rotating them monthly. She reported a positive response and decrease in negative behavior after her makerspace was created. While many of our readings this week focused on science, technology, engineering and math makerspaces in libraries, Bogan’s makerspace identified the needs of her community and developed a solution to a problem that did not involve negative consequences for the students. Britton (2012) discussed the informal structure makerspaces could have as well as the playful aspect of them.
The low-cost aspect of Bogan’s makerspace also illustrates a simpler way to introduce the concept of a makerspace to students, teachers and staff when funds are limited. While Bogan’s makerspace is low-cost, many articles highlighted the use of grants to purchase items. The Makerspace Playbook offers a list of grants and supplies to consider for your makerspace.
While some may see playing games and building
puzzles as a waste of time, these activities can promote problem solving,
critical thinking skills and teamwork. Introducing this type of makerspace in the school library, and maybe even in the faculty lounge, would encourage students and staff to take a break from the demands of school and work and enjoy playing for awhile.
References:
Bogan, K. “Low Tech Makerspace in the H.S. Library,” Don’t You Shush Me (blog), November 16, 2021.
https://dontyoushushme.com/2021/11/16/low-tech-makerspace-in-the-h-s-library/
Britton, L. (2012, October 1). The Makings of Maker Spaces, Part 1: Space for Creation, Not Just Consumption. The Digital Shift. http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/10/public-services/the-makings-of-maker-spaces-part-1-space-for-creation-not-just-consumption/
Hlubinka, M. Dougherty, D., Thomas, P., Chang, S., Hoefer, S., Alexander, I., McGuire, D. et al. (2013). Makerspace Playbook: School Edition [eBook edition]. Maker Media. https://makered.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Makerspace-Playbook-Feb-2013.pdf
I love that you found a blog that really showed the versatility of a makerspace and the importance of knowing what the students need. You would be surprised how excited students get over board games and the skills students learn from playing. We have to be open to all ways to engage students. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love the blog you shared! While makerspaces are absolutely wonderful for design thinking, problem solving, and creative thinking, they are also responsible for huge SEL impacts as well. We all need space and time to create without limits and makerspaces offer that to our students.
ReplyDeleteThe library is the center or hub of the school. This librarian had noticed the library was not being used to it full potential. Creating a space for kids to relax and engage in games, coloring, etc. was a great idea to rebuild the community of the school library. I think a lot of people get caught up in the tech aspect of makerspaces and bypass the low tech options. For high school students who are constantly on some kind of device or computer for both education and social purposes, a low tech area may be just want they need to relax and center themselves.
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