Makerspaces are becoming the new staple in libraries. However, I’m not going to lie, they
terrify me because of the small budget which I have to work with because my school is so very
small. I have about $150, yearly, that I can spend on library supplies, and the remainder of my
budget is strictly dedicated to purchasing books. So, finding a way to create a makerspace area
in my library, with my limited funds, led me to search for a blog relating to makerspace creation,
on a budget.
terrify me because of the small budget which I have to work with because my school is so very
small. I have about $150, yearly, that I can spend on library supplies, and the remainder of my
budget is strictly dedicated to purchasing books. So, finding a way to create a makerspace area
in my library, with my limited funds, led me to search for a blog relating to makerspace creation,
on a budget.
In my search, I stumbled across a blog by Gwyneth Jones, “The Daring Librarian,” titled
Makerspace Starter Kit. In her blog, she outlines a basic starter kit, which can all be purchased
on Amazon, for about $350! The kit would contain everything needed to create a Duct Tape
craft, LEGO creation, and Makey Makey Coding stations. Everything in her starter kit, I was
familiar with except Makey Makey. After doing some further research on Makey Makey, I was
amazed. Just the idea of creating your own “keys” to match something that you are doing on a
computer is nothing short of AMAZING! I really think the kids at my school would enjoy Makey
Makey, especially since they all have their own Chromebooks.
The information shared by “The Daring Librarian” is useful for any school library program
working with a small budget. Her kit allows kids to really become makers.
“Makers are problem solvers, idea dreamers; they tinker, hack, and customize products and
materials to better serve them. Makers live out lifelong learning. They see a problem, something
that isn't working for them, and they research ways to solve the problem and experiment,
pushing the limits until they are satisfied.” (CANINO-FLUIT, 2014)
With this starter kit, kids can tinker with LEGOS, customize with Duct Tape, and problem solve
with Makey Makey. And because there “is no set list of equipment or programming required to
make a space successful,” this kit allows the user to make it into what fits their library program
needs without breaking the bank. ("The Makings of Maker Spaces, Part 1: Space for Creation,
Not Just Consumption")
I really felt like this would be a useful resource for others who are feeling apprehensive about
incorporating a makerspace into their library program, especially for those who are limited on
funds. This kit is a great starter for any library because there is a little something for different
types of makers, and because of its simplicity, you can find out if having a makerspace in your
library is worth the investment. As Dr. Moorefield-Lang stated, Makerspaces are not for every
library, you have to test it out to see if it is something that your patrons will use. This kit allows
you to test the idea out, without breaking the bank.
working with a small budget. Her kit allows kids to really become makers.
“Makers are problem solvers, idea dreamers; they tinker, hack, and customize products and
materials to better serve them. Makers live out lifelong learning. They see a problem, something
that isn't working for them, and they research ways to solve the problem and experiment,
pushing the limits until they are satisfied.” (CANINO-FLUIT, 2014)
With this starter kit, kids can tinker with LEGOS, customize with Duct Tape, and problem solve
with Makey Makey. And because there “is no set list of equipment or programming required to
make a space successful,” this kit allows the user to make it into what fits their library program
needs without breaking the bank. ("The Makings of Maker Spaces, Part 1: Space for Creation,
Not Just Consumption")
I really felt like this would be a useful resource for others who are feeling apprehensive about
incorporating a makerspace into their library program, especially for those who are limited on
funds. This kit is a great starter for any library because there is a little something for different
types of makers, and because of its simplicity, you can find out if having a makerspace in your
library is worth the investment. As Dr. Moorefield-Lang stated, Makerspaces are not for every
library, you have to test it out to see if it is something that your patrons will use. This kit allows
you to test the idea out, without breaking the bank.
References
CANINO-FLUIT, A. anacaninofluit@gmail. co. (2014). School Library Makerspaces. Teacher Librarian, 41(5), 21–27. Retrieved from https://login.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=llf&AN=96678450&site=ehost-live
Jones, G. (2018, August 28). The Daring Librarian. Retrieved from https://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/2015/06/makerspace-starter-kit.html
The Makings of Maker Spaces, Part 1: Space for Creation, Not Just Consumption. Retrieved from http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/10/public-services/the-makings-of-maker-spaces-part-1-space-for-creation-not-just-consumption/
I think that this kit is a good starting point and a good thing about it is that it can be bought in parts so if the $350 is still a little above what the current budget allows, it can be bought it increments. Also, things like that plastic tote caddy can sometimes be found at your local dollar store so that is something worth checking out to save a little. I think that as a starting point, this is a decent collection of items but it might not be the best fit for every school. However, it would probably be worth trying if it is in the budget.
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