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Makerspaces

 Makerspaces

By Shannon Rapo


Makerspaces first began to show up in 2006, but not until 2009 did they become more prevalent in school and public libraries in the U.S. Makerspaces are a designated place for patrons to explore making, creating, developing, tinkering, building and repurposing items to make new ones. Above all, creativity and exploration are the goals of makerspace participants. Two important things happened to propel the movement forward. One, a mention from President Barack Obama referring to children as “makers” in relation to STEM programs. Two, the introduction of a 3D printer to the market that was affordable compared to the earliest models that cost upwards of $30,000. Once this technology was available, libraries began purchasing 3D printers to use in their makerspaces. 


Makerspaces have been able to draw people to the library who previously had not gone to the library. Students report that makerspaces allow the space for them to try new things and not be good at them, without fear of being graded or measured against other students. Some students have even discovered a passion for engineering as a result of their tinkering, leading to a career path that may not have been on their radar prior to their makerspace experience. Librarians report that they have seen the makerspace movement spill over into the classroom where teachers are also encouraging experimentation and innovation.



In 2020, the Los Angeles Public Library Central Library expanded its offerings within its Octavia Lab Makerspace. Prior to the Covid19 pandemic, this makerspace was extremely popular as a “do-it-yourself memory lab” where patrons were able to leverage technology to produce podcasts, digitize and preserve family photos and keepsakes, among other things using the labs scanners, laser cutters and more. However, during Covid, the lab quickly pivoted and began to use its makerspace to create and innovate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be used in the fight against Covid. Check out a video of the LAPL PPE initiative here.


Makerspaces will continue to thrive on exposing attendees to new technologies, keeping these spaces relevant and important to the community. As important as the technology development is, so is the human interaction and the opportunity to learn from one another in these special places. If you haven’t visited a makerspace yet, add that to your list of new things to try, you won’t regret it!



Works cited


Clark, Melodie. “Libraries & makerspaces: A revolution?” Technology & Social Change Group, University of Washington Information School, https://tascha.uw.edu/2014/06/libraries-makerspaces-a-revolution/. Accessed 23 April 2021.


Hinton, Marva. “Making the Difference.” School Library Journal, vol. 64, no. 5, May 2018, pp. 25–27. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=129347373&site=ehost-live&scope=site. Accessed 23 April 2021.


Sierra, Kristin. “If You Build It, They Will Come: How I Started a Makerspace from Scratch.” Knowledge Quest, vol. 46, no. 2, Nov. 2017, pp. 42–48. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=125991982&site=ehost-live&scope=site. Accessed 23 April 2021.

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