Creating a makerspace in the library can be a great way to encourage hands-on learning, creativity, and innovation among library patrons. We’ve worked with several libraries from elementary school libraries to huge university media centers to public libraries as they embarked on new makerspace goals. Here’s some advice we’ve learned along the way.
Define your Goals
Before you start setting up a makerspace, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Consider the needs and interests of your community and identify the skills and knowledge you want to promote through the makerspace.
Do you want to expose patrons to a variety of easy-to-use digital fabrication technologies? Do you want to offer local small businesses a place to experiment and collaborate on new ideas? Do you plan to create a learning space for children of all ages and adults?
Determine Your Budget
It’s important to have your full budget clearly articulated and documented before you begin the makerspace development process.
This not only includes initial startup costs for technologies and equipment but also the ongoing costs associated with your makerspace. More obvious costs include things like consumables and materials for your equipment (i.e. 3D printer filament, media for printer-cutters, materials for laser engravers, etc.)
It’s also important to consider ongoing costs associated with staffing your makerspace. How many full-time vs. part-time employees will be required to maintain equipment and assist makerspace users? What are appropriate salaries given the job expectations?
All of these costs can add up, so whenever possible it can be helpful to look for grants, donations, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations to help fund your makerspace. (We have included several MakerEd / STEM grant opportunities in our 2023 Grant Guide.)
Plan Your Equipment
The equipment and supplies you can include in your makerspace largely depends on the activities and learning objectives you plan to support – as well as your budget. This can include 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, electronics kits, craft supplies, and more.
Consider Your Makerspace Goals – You’ll want to select makerspace activities that align with your learning objectives. A quick Google search for “makerspace activities is a great jumping off point to as you determine which types of activities – and therefore which types of equipment – will help your users achieve their maker goals.
Consider Your Budget — By allocating a certain percentage of your budget to different types of technologies, you’ll be able to better understand what value you can get within each category. For example, if 3D printing is a major priority, then you may be able to budget for an entry level system as opposed to a hobby level printer. Or perhaps a fleet of hobby level printers better suits your needs based on the number of users you expect to have. If 3D printing is a lower priority, a single hobby level printer may be all you need.
Consider Your Users – The more complex the equipment, the less likely a majority of patrons will be able to use 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.
Choose a Location and Design Your Learning Spaces
Look for a space in the library that is large enough to accommodate the equipment and activities you have in mind. Ideally, the space should be easily accessible, well-lit, and have access to power outlets.
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.
Our colleague, Alex Baddock, wrote for MAKE Magazine a while ago about how to best design and layout a makerspace. Some of his main points included:
- Space Utilization – How you plan to use the space will determine your spatial flow. Will your lab be used for design and fabrication, or will the design work be completed in a separate space from the fabrication equipment?
- Dirty vs. Clean – It’s recommended you separate dirty from clean equipment if possible. If not, you’ll need to consider alternative equipment options.
- Noise Control – The last thing you want is a noisy CNC machine running right where you are teaching students. It’s easy to minimize noise disruptions with a little planning in advance.
- Power and Electrical Requirements – It’s important to read equipment datasheets in detail to understand power requirements before you purchase anything. Are you working with an electrician? Specialized power cannot be changed after it’s put in, so this will affect the timeline of when you finalize your lab layout.
- Furniture – Consider furniture with the right storage options and durability to fit your needs. Don’t just opt for something that looks cool.
- Design for Mobility – Mobile furniture and equipment offers an entirely new level of customization, which can change the overall flexibility and functionality of your lab.
Develop Policies and Procedures
Establish guidelines for using the makerspace, including safety rules, equipment reservation procedures, and policies on acceptable use. Make sure all patrons are aware of the policies and procedures before using the space.
You may want to have more control over material usage (given the costs) and limit the amount of materials that can be out at once. For example, if users are making a project that involve 3D printed parts, laser cut acrylic, rubber bands, and paint, you may want to pre-portion the materials for the project or gradually distribute the materials, limiting the amount used at one time.
Train Staff
Make sure library staff are trained to assist users with makerspace equipment and activities. They should be able to troubleshoot equipment problems, provide guidance on projects, and ensure that patrons are using equipment safely.
All of the technologies you bring into your space will require you to perform some level of maintenance. You should be aware of the maintenance requirements for each piece of equipment in your space so you can plan to properly maintain them from day one.
For example, you’ll be responsible for daily maintenance like keeping the inside of your 3D printer clean or keeping the optics in your laser cutter clean, and your reseller or service provider will likely be responsible for any maintenance required when your systems break.
We offer more tips on how to effectively manage your makerspace here.
Advertise the Makerspace
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Let your community know about the new makerspace through posters, flyers, social media, and other marketing channels. Encourage patrons to come and explore the space and offer workshops and events to help them get started.
Community seminars and workshops are a great way to help spread the word. 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.
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Remember, a makerspace should be a space where users can experiment and learn through hands-on activities. By following these steps, you can create a dynamic and engaging makerspace in your library that promotes creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning.
