Example Makerspace Projects
Bagley, C. A. (2014). Makerspaces: Top Trailblazing Projects. American Library Association. https://search.library.albany.edu/permalink/01SUNY_ALB/1c4mdhk/alma990026163090204808
Bagley's book examines nine unique makerspaces in various types of libraries, highlighting their designs and technical decisions. It provides valuable insights into community engagement and the shared use of space and equipment. The strength of this source lies in its detailed case studies, which offer practical examples and inspiration for setting up a makerspace, though it may not cover the latest technological advancements since its publication in 2014.
Assessing Makerspace
Blikstein, P., Kabayadondo, Z., Martin, A., & Fields, D. (2017). An Assessment Instrument of Technological Literacies in Makerspaces and FabLabs. Journal of Engineering Education, 106(1), 149–175. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20156
This study introduces the Exploration and Fabrication Technologies (EFT) instrument to assess technological literacies in K-12 makerspaces and FabLabs. It provides a structured approach to measure student confidence and performance in technology skills. Its strength is the empirical basis for evaluating technological literacy, however it may be too technical for some library staff without an engineering background.
Example Makerspace Media Lab
Brannen, M., & Fernandez, P. (2018). Through the Looking Glass: Made in the Library – Media Production. Library Hi Tech News, 35(9), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-07-2018-0041
Brannen and Fernandez explore the integration of media labs and studios in libraries, emphasizing their role in fostering creativity and providing technological skills. The article's strength is its practical discussion of challenges and solutions for setting up media production facilities. A limitation is that it primarily focuses on larger libraries with more substantial budgets.
Makerspace Set Up
Burke, J. (2014). Makerspaces: A Practical Guide for Librarians. Rowman & Littlefield. https://search.library.albany.edu/permalink/01SUNY_ALB/mndmj9/alma990026071520204808
Burke provides a comprehensive guide on setting up, budgeting, and implementing makerspaces, including grant writing and understanding the maker movement. Its strength lies in its thoroughness and practical advice but it may not address the latest trends and technologies in makerspaces due to its publication date.
Apps, Websites and Tools
Dillon, S., & Laughlin, A. (2014). Starting from Scratch. School Library Journal, 60(8), 34-.
Dillon and Laughlin offer a selection of free or low-cost apps, websites, and tools for engaging students in maker projects, focusing on coding, filmmaking, and tinkering. This resource is valuable for its practical and accessible recommendations, though it may not provide in-depth guidance on the integration of these tools into a comprehensive makerspace program.
Makerspaces/Librarians
Filar Williams, B., & Folkman, M. (2017). Librarians as Makers. Journal of Library Administration, 57(1), 17–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2016.1215676
This article discusses the role of librarians in supporting makerspaces, emphasizing the need for administrative support and community engagement. Its strength is in highlighting the importance of librarian involvement and training, however it may not provide detailed practical steps for librarians new to makerspaces.
Public Library Makerspace
Forsyth, S., Penzkover, K., Davis, P., & Matty, I. (2020, Jul/Aug). Design Thinking in Public Library: Makerspaces. Public Libraries, 59, 58-64. https://www.proquest.com/magazines/design-thinking-public-library-makerspaces/docview/2443447780/se-2
This article examines the integration of design thinking principles in public library makerspaces, presenting practical examples and case studies. It is valuable for its focus on creativity and innovation. However, a limitation is that it may not cover smaller libraries with limited resources extensively.
Makerspace for Educators/Classrooms
Gerstein, J. S. (2019). Learning in the Making: How to Plan, Execute, and Assess Powerful Makerspace Lessons. ASCD.
Gerstein's book offers strategies for planning, executing, and assessing makerspace activities, focusing on creativity, problem-solving, and technology use. Its strength is its practical approach for educators. A limitation is that it may be more geared toward classroom settings than library environments.
Makerspace in Education/Other Country
Giusti, T., & Bombieri, L. (2020). Learning Inclusion Through Makerspace: A Curriculum Approach in Italy to Share Powerful Ideas in a Meaningful Context. Campus-Wide Information Systems, 37(3), 73–86. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-10-2019-0095
Giusti and Bombieri present a case study of a makerspace workshop in an Italian primary school, emphasizing inclusion and skill development. The study's strength is its focus on diverse learners and collaborative learning, though it is based on a specific cultural context, which may not be directly applicable to all settings.
Makerspace In School Library
Jensen, K. (2016). Looks Like We Made It. School Library Journal, 62(11), 38.
Jensen discusses the successful implementation of a makerspace in a school library, highlighting planning, challenges, and achievements. Its strength is the practical insights into creating a vibrant makerspace. A limitation is that it may not provide exhaustive details for those looking for a step-by-step guide.
School Library/Low Tech Activities
Jensen, K. (2017). Low-Tech Ideas for the Maker Space. School Library Journal, 63(6), 24-30.
Jensen offers practical suggestions for incorporating makerspace activities without relying on expensive technology. The article's strength is its focus on accessible, hands-on projects though it may not address high-tech needs for more advanced makerspaces.
Student Perceptions of Makerspace
Li, X., & Todd, R. J. (2019). Makerspace Opportunities and Desired Outcomes: Voices from Young People. Library Quarterly, 89(4), 316–332. https://doi-org.libproxy.albany.edu/10.1086/704964
This study emphasizes young people's perspectives on library makerspaces, highlighting their value for STEM learning and social interaction. Its strength is its focus on user feedback and desired outcomes. A limitation is that it may not provide practical implementation strategies for librarians.
Assessing Makerspaces
Mersand, S. (2021). The State of Makerspace Research: A Review of the Literature. TechTrends, 65(2), 174–186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-020-00566-5
Mersand's literature review analyzes 150 studies on makerspaces, identifying research gaps, particularly in PreK-12 school libraries in the U.S. Its strength is the comprehensive overview of existing research. A limitation is that it may not provide new practical insights for practitioners.
Makerspace in Libraries
Moorefield-Lang, H. (2015). Change in the Making: Makerspaces and the Ever-Changing Landscape of Libraries. TechTrends, 59(3), 107–112. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-015-0860-z
Moorefield-Lang discusses the evolving role of makerspaces in libraries, emphasizing the need for adequate training for librarians. The strength of this source is its focus on the adaptation and challenges of implementing makerspaces, though it does not provide detailed case studies.
Mobile Makerspace
Moorefield-Lang, H. M. (2015). When Makerspaces Go Mobile: Case Studies of Transportable Maker Locations. Library Hi Tech, 33(4), 462–471. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-06-2015-0061
Moorefield-Lang examines mobile makerspaces, identifying challenges and benefits of taking makerspaces on the move. Its strength lies in expanding the reach of maker activities though it does not address the logistical complexities in great detail.
Mini Makerspace
Musial, B., & Boden, L. (2019). No Space? No Problem! Make Mini-Makerspaces. The Illinois Library Association Reporter, 37(3), 8–10.
Musial and Boden provide practical tips for creating mini-makerspaces with limited space, highlighting low-cost, space-saving strategies. The strength is its focus on accessibility for libraries with spatial constraints though it does not cover advanced technological implementations.
Makerspace User and Teacher Experience
Pijls, M., van Eijck, T., Kragten, M., & Bredeweg, B. (2022). Activities and Experiences of Children and Makerspace Coaches During After-School and School Programs in a Public Library Makerspace. Journal for STEM Education Research, 5(2), 163–186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41979-022-00070-w
This study investigates children's and coaches' experiences in a public library makerspace, highlighting creativity and social skills. Its strength is the focus on user experiences and educational outcomes. A limitation is that it may not provide extensive practical guidance for setting up makerspaces.
Makerspace with Technology STEM/STEAM
Roman, H. T. (2017). Maker Space Design. The Technology Teacher, 77(1), 30-.
Roman outlines a process for designing makerspaces that integrate 21st-century learning and STEM/STEAM education. Its strength is its comprehensive approach to design but it does not provide detailed examples of implementation.
Community Service makerspace
Seymour, G. (2018). Makers with a Cause: Creative Service Projects for Library Youth (1st ed.). Libraries Unlimited. https://doi.org/10.5040/9798400681431
Seymour's book focuses on incorporating service projects into makerspaces, emphasizing community service and creative problem-solving. The strength is the innovative approach to combining makerspaces with community engagement though it is more suitable for programs with a strong service component.
Student perceptions of Makerspace
Vongkulluksn, V. W., Matewos, A. M., Sinatra, G. M., & Marsh, J. A. (2018). Motivational Factors in Makerspaces: A Mixed Methods Study of Elementary School Students' Situational Interest, Self-Efficacy, and Achievement Emotions. International Journal of STEM Education, 5(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-018-0129-0
This mixed-methods study explores motivational factors in elementary school makerspaces, focusing on student interest, self-efficacy, and emotions. Its strength is its comprehensive analysis of motivational aspects, though it does not cover older student populations with more advanced makerspace activities.
Generalizing Makerspace Skills
Walan, S., & Gericke, N. (2023). Transferring Makerspace Activities to the Classroom: A Tension Between Two Learning Cultures. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 33(5), 1755–1772. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-022-09799-2
Walan and Gericke examine the integration of makerspace activities into classroom settings, identifying generalization issues and solutions. The strength is its focus on practical integration strategies though it does not cover non-classroom-based makerspaces extensively.
What Is A Makerspace?
What is a makerspace? (n.d.). Maker Education. Retrieved from https://www.makerspaces.com/what-is-a-makerspace/
This article provides a broad overview of makerspaces, detailing their role in fostering creativity, learning, and entrepreneurship through various high-tech and low-tech tools. Unique features include explanations of different makerspace types like FabLabs and Techshops, but it lacks specific case studies to offer practical insights for implementation.