Technology is something that everyone has, and takes for granted, but is not necessarily something that everyone adequately understands. With all of the technology available, and the uses that it could provide, it is important for schools to provide lessons and means for student to explore the technology that is and could be available to them.
One way that schools can provide this to students is through makerspaces. As described by the Horizon Report makerspaces are places where students, particularly in K-12, can investigate things that interest them, including skills that can be beneficial for the student’s futures. Another item that this report discusses is the fact that makerspaces could help students be a part of or “to become agents of change in their communities”, (p. 39). These ventures are not only applicable for public libraries but for school libraries as well.
The Horizon report discusses how certain school libraries have become “Learning Commons”, (p. 39), making the library not only a space that is known for books, but has areas that are devoted to investigation and inquiry. This move in many schools shows the importance that makerspaces can have in education, and how they can benefit learners at all levels in our school systems.
In his article Libraries as Makerspaces?, Tod Colegrove, discusses the reluctance of many librarians to adopt makerspaces within their libraries, as well as some instances of librarians embracing the model within their libraries. One of his arguments is that libraries have been a sort of makerspace all this time, we are just now adding new technologies and resources, plus officially giving it a name. Another argument that Colegrove has is that the library can facilitate learning in a makerspace by providing technology resources for students to use in their enquiry, or even use some of the unused space in the library to give students a place for their projects to take place.
In my opinion makerspaces can be an amazing resource to have in the library, if it is done correctly. As Colegrove mentions in his article, makerspaces are a continuum, there is no ONE right idea/model that will work for everyone. This is why I think that many people are scared or reluctant when they hear the word makerspace. I discussed having a makerspace in the library at the school where I just accepted a job, and the administration seemed very reluctant. However, after discussion with them about what makerspaces could look like, they were more accepting of this idea.
As is mentioned in both of the articles that were previously mentioned, makerspaces can be very beneficial to our libraries, whether we are at a public or school library, elementary or secondary. These spaces can provide areas for students to openly investigate, to try out experiments based on what they are learning in science, or even try to figure out solutions to problems in their community, the possibilities for a makerspace are endless, you only have to have an open mind and an active imagination.
Citations
Colegrove, T. (2013). Editorial board thoughts: Libraries as makerspace?Information Technology and Libraries (Online), 32(1), 2-5. Retrieved from https://ezproxy.shsu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1356913023?accountid=7065
The 2015 K-12 Edition Expert Panel. (2015). NMC horizon report: 2015 K-12 edition., 38-39. Retrieved from https://shsu.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-1995069-dt-content-rid-10193432_1/courses/LSSL539101416/2015-nmc-horizon-report-k12-EN.pdf
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