Blogshare: Makerspace

        Everyone in the education field understands how the concept of a makerspace can benefit and support the curriculum. Researchers share that students actively involved in making are lifelong learners and problem solvers (Canino-Fluit, 2014). For most, I feel it is not the idea of makerspace they need to be persuaded to understand but maybe how it is a part of a library's services. A library is a place where students can explore and strengthen their interests through print and digital platforms. With that in mind, a makerspace easily fits within the scope of a library's purpose. The problem for most librarians is not wanting to add a makerspace, but as Fontichiaro (2014) mentions, some of the biggest challenges are finding space, storage, and money within their budget. 

        Makerspace Librarian found a solution to the space issue in the library, along with reaching all the students. She created a mobile classroom makerspace cart. The premise behind this idea was to find time for all students to visit the library's makerspace, and the struggle was to fit it into the crazy school schedules for each class. Since it was hard for the classes to come to her, she decided to create a program that would take the makerspace to the students and could easily fit into their schedules. A teacher can sign up to check out a cart for a week that features six to eight makerspace projects and all the supplies needed. 

        To address the funding issue, she utilized the school's Parent Teacher Organization, Go Fund Me page, Donor's Choose, and even created a wishlist on her blog. Even though storage is still an issue, the carts allow materials to be checked out of the library at a given time. This might help decrease the storage size needed for makerspace materials. I have never heard of or thought about a mobile maker cart program before, but I love the idea. My school has a great STEM program, but the library space is too small to create a makerspace. I plan to propose this idea to the librarian and STEM teacher as a way to collaborate and offer teachers the valuable curriculum support that a makerspace can give students. 

Here are the blog posts about Mobile Makerspace:

Creating Mobile ClassroomMakerspace

Mobile Makerspace Wishlist

In searching further, I found a great resource for creating and running a mobile makerspace by Makerspace.com. Click here to access it. 

References:

Canino-Fluit, A. (2014). School library makerspaces. Teacher Librarian, 41(5), 21–27.

Fontichiaro, K. (2019). What I’ve learned from 7 years of the maker movement in schools and libraries. Teacher Librarian, 46(4), 51–53.