Amtek Company’s Rich Sykes recently sat down with Campus Technology to talk about how university libraries can stay innovative, relevant and well equipped in their campus communities via their makerspaces.
Don’t Hide Your Makerspace in the Basement
Libraries don’t always have the biggest budgets so it can be tempting to throw your makerspace in whatever unused space you have available, like a back room. However it’s important that your makerspace be visible to patrons. This visibility makes it more likely patrons will engage with the space, and the more activity within the space, the greater the likelihood you can secure additional funding and continue to add to the space.
Select Easy-to-Use Equipment
The more complex the equipment, the less likely a majority of patrons will be able to us it. Tools and technologies that allow for minimal instruction so that patrons get as much hands-on time with the technologies as possible. For example, Stratasys’ GrabCAD Print software makes 3D printing as easy as loading a design file and clicking print. You can print directly from your favorite professional CAD formats and save time usually spent converting STL files.
Host Community Events
Community seminars and workshops are key for gaining traction with the public. These can show off the capabilities of the tools in your makerspace in a fun, exciting learning environment for not only students on campus, but the public as well. Keep in mind patrons may be intimidated by the technologies in your makerspace, so make these events as approachable as possible.
Keep an Eye Out for Funding Opportunities
There are several grant opportunities out there, like those from the National Science Foundation or local nonprofits and economic development groups. Educational institutions are often eligible for these grants, and university libraries fall under this umbrella. If you’re not sure what opportunities are available to you, ask your local reseller. Often resellers, like Amtek Company, stay on top of regional opportunities for their customers.
To read more on Rich’s advice for university makerspaces, read the full Campus Technology article here.
