The programming of creative activities or manufacturing makerspaces can offer unique opportunities for libraries to connect with their communities and their users in new ways, strengthening the work of the library as a space for creative expression and learning. However, public librarians are still testing what types of programs and equipment are tailored to the resources of their institutions and to the needs of the community. Although many libraries are experiencing challenges and frustrations, they are committed to experimenting with doing something new.
The maker activities seem to enjoy a wide adoption, many offer some type of programs with creative activities, although more frequently for children and adolescents. The programming of creative activities is much more common in larger libraries. In general, although the full range of activities remains diverse, the trend seems to be towards programs that promote digital literacy through the use of new technologies, especially for younger audiences.
There are several activities offered such as cooking, gardening, crafts and scrapbooks had less acceptance. Other on-demand activities for all ages include jewelry making, gardening, scrapbooks, music, book creation, animation, circuits, vinyl or laser cutting, graphic design and video editing. A Colorado librarian noted: ‘ Everything related to learning to program is filled quickly, ‘while an Idaho librarian found that 3D printing workshops for teens and adults are filled’ months in advance. ‘ Less technical craft programs have a strong appeal, according to Gina Dreyer, of The Five Library, CA, because adolescents ‘are also interested in learning more skills that are not taught in schools, older skills that traditionally were transmitted between schools. members of the family such as sewing, weaving and embroidery. ‘
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The presentation of such creative classes requires well-informed teachers who can guide users. Often, libraries design manufacturing programming around the skills of library staff, or train staff in the appropriate skills for the desired courses. Programming, in particular, is a subject in which library instructors often study skills to stay ahead of their classes, while libraries tend to partner with local experts when it comes to other expertise.
The librarians expressed their desire to develop their own skills in more ‘technical’ subjects such as programming, robotics, animation, video game design and circuits. Some of those who responded to the survey indicated that their programs plummeted when the technical requirements of the materials exceeded the skills of the available personnel.
Libraries with a limited number of employees need to make sure they have enough staff available to support the ambitious Maker programming. Many libraries intend to recruit instructors from different areas of knowledge.
Equipment and physical supplies, as well as a meeting place, are key to the success of programming. Many respondents have a space dedicated to creative activities. Other libraries with a space dedicated to Maker created it by converting an existing underutilized area, such as a meeting or storage room, while others reduced the space dedicated to bookshelves to accommodate a new space. For almost a quarter of the libraries, the creation of the spaces meant a new construction: for some, the area was part of a new building, while others included the creative space as a complement.
The most common tools found in the makerspaces of libraries are machines for making badges, 3D printers and cameras or video equipment. Others include laminators, sewing machines, audio equipment, video equipment, laser cutters and vinyl cutters. In the larger libraries, LEGO Mindstorms are the most common products. As well as other circuit kits, programmable robots, and microcontrollers. The vast majority of libraries do not allow their kits to circulate outside the building, and share supplies and equipment between several branches.
Many libraries use these funds to purchase materials for arts and crafts, books, circuit kits, and robotics kits. Many librarians said they do not expect an increase in funds for the Maker programs next year. In addition to the general library programming budget, libraries also depend on support and grants from Friends of the Library. Very few libraries reported that they had a budget dedicated to financing creative spaces.
Lack of funds, supplies and staff capacity are the main factors that prevent libraries from trying or starting new Maker programs. In the case of libraries that do not yet have programming, most claim lack of space.
Libraries are a public forum in which to meet to share, teach and train. Therefore, Makerspaces must be spaces accessible to the entire public, although libraries can give higher priority to a defined community of users. In addition, they can seek the support of collaborators to start up or carry out activities, create sponsored spaces or finance with public money. Libraries should think about how to deal with the cost of material consumed or damaged: charging users, seeking sponsors, obtaining income through ‘Friends of the library’, volunteering …
Regarding the responsibility of the use of the means made available to the users are quite clear: Libraries are not responsible for the illicit use of spaces. If they realize they have a legal and / or ethical duty to intervene. Each user is responsible for the use they make … but the libraries have to inform each user about how it is used. You can not create guns or sex toys with 3D printers in libraries
These new spaces bring new liability risks to the library and its staff. The library should make clear the rules of use and the care to be taken in its use. The library can set time, content and misuse restrictions. They also mention something very interesting as is the recognition of the authors / creators of the works in the Makerspaces of the libraries:
Everything created in these spaces is property of its creators, as long as it does not violate the rights of others. Libraries should provide information to creators on how to protect their works with copyright patents, trademarks or areas of rights.
The American Library Association has opened a section of Questions and Answers (FAQs) on the Makerspaces in the libraries: «Q & A: Makerspaces, Media Labs and Other Forums for Content Creation in Libraries»
In this section they mentions the Makerspaces as an adaptation of libraries in their role to encourage and facilitate the creativity and ingenuity of their community of users. And that libraries are spaces for accessing information and realizing ideas in multiple formats. It also refers to the evolution and technological innovation in libraries, and that libraries are able to provide physical and virtual spaces where users have access to technology to create their own content, in multiple formats. The objective of all this is clear: create, share and disseminate original content.
