Make It Here: Inciting Creativity and Innovation in Your Library - Softcover

Hamilton, Matthew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1610695542 ISBN 13: 9781610695541

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 2014

Synopsis

This is an ideal resource for joining the maker movement, no matter the size of your public library or resource level.

Libraries of all sizes and resource levels are finding ways to support community innovation and creativity through maker programming―and successful programs don't require dedicating an entire area of the library to makerspace activities or sophisticated technologies such as 3D printers. Make It Here: Inciting Creativity and Innovation in Your Library provides a complete, step-by-step guide for starting a makerspace program at your library and follows through with instructions for operation and building on your success.

This book takes you step-by-step through starting your maker program―from finding the right "makerspace mix," making a plan, and working with staff to establishing funding and support, launching your makerspace, and evaluating and refining your programs. The authors provide guidance based on their personal experiences in creating and developing maker programs in their libraries as well as feedback and lessons learned from library makers across the country. You'll see how easy it can be to bring their ideas to life in ways that will empower your community, and be encouraged to be bold and think outside of the box when imagining the possibilities.

About this title

About the Author

Matthew Hamilton is senior IT manager for the Denver Public Library, Denver, CO.

Dara Hanke Schmidt, MLIS, MPW, is library director for the Cedar Rapids Public Library, Cedar Rapids, IA.

Reviews

This resource will enable librarians interested in offering maker programming or creating a maker space for adults or children to make informed decisions, convince stakeholders of the value of maker spaces, and create the perfect program or space for their unique community. Topics include why maker programming is important, definitions of maker spaces, how to create the right maker space for your community, funding, staffing, planning, marketing, policies, programs, and evaluation. Some ideas are just short descriptions, while others are thorough plans, from low-tech (needle and thread) to high-tech (3-D printers and Arduino), with target ages ranging from children to adults. Each chapter concludes with one or two "Makerspace Profiles," which provide a glimpse of spaces and programs at libraries across the country. Varying in detail and usefulness, the profiles are nonetheless insightful. The black-and-white photos are often too dark or out of focus, and the book could have used a bit more editing, but overall this is a solid resource. VERDICT The value of the information, sample publicity, grant proposals, resources, and shopping lists make this a useful guide.—Heather Acerro, Rochester Public Library, MN

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1610695542
• ISBN 13: 9781610695541
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208