Makerspaces are a hot topic now. In addition to talking with several public and academic librarians that are considering integrating such spaces, I also oversaw a student’s independent study about several case studies of established makerspaces at area libraries. One question that arises repeatedly whenever a community considers launching a makerspace is “Why do it in the library?” My answer: Why not?
The question of including a makerspace in a library seems to be predicated on misconceptions about what a library is and what people do there. People will argue that makerspaces, which are about exploring new skills and often involve an array of digital and mechanical tools, are noisy and messy. Libraries are sometimes perceived to be quiet spaces, conjuring up the stereotypical old lady librarian shushing people. Yet libraries everywhere have been smashing such stereotypes for years. While libraries still offer spaces that lend themselves to quiet study and reflection, they have also been creating spaces that are active, vibrant and, yes, noisy to host events, such as movie nights, musical performances, and baby storytimes. Libraries now offer spaces for people to meet as groups to collaborate on projects, practice presentations, or to have conversations. Many libraries run programs and workshops, and have set aside space for group instruction, author readings, and other interactive events.
Most importantly, the question seems to imply that libraries are for passive consumption of information, not for creating. In reality, people have always been involved in creating things at the library, although some of the products are intangible. Certainly, many children’s departments run arts-and-crafts projects, and many others host knitting clubs, gardening clubs, and other gatherings that use library spaces to meet. These groups often rely on library resources to acquire or improve the skills they need for whatever products they are making. In addition, how many novelists have used library resources to check facts, gather inspiration, or learn more about specific time periods, events, or processes? Students and scholars rely on library resources to write papers, and job hunters use the library to write their resumes and cover letters. When people are reading books, watching videos, or listening to music for pleasure, they are adding to their overall knowledge and experience of the world. It is the mission behind almost every library: to enable library users to create new knowledge.
The difference with makerspaces is that they bring together the tools for creating products, the materials to learn about the tools and to inform those creations, and the experts to support the use of the tools and materials into a single space. It is not a novel idea for libraries. Many academic libraries have organized around information commons models, where they provide patrons with a range of technology tools. Students are encouraged to use the space to produce videos, webcasts, and other multimedia presentations. Librarians and technologists are available to help with research or equipment/software questions that may arise. Makerspaces allow for a ‘one-stop shopping’ experience for users. They reflect people’s preferences and expectations to have tools available, and work on multiple tasks at once. With makerspaces in libraries, people will have the information and educational resources to learn a new skill and apply those skills in one place, along with a friendly librarian guide them through the process.
By Associate Professor Laura Saunders
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