This document discusses creating makerspaces in libraries on a budget. It explains that makerspaces allow students to design products with real-world applications in a hands-on learning environment. Libraries are well-suited to host makerspaces as they are cross-curricular spaces that support all learners. Makerspaces benefit students by encouraging creative problem-solving, collaboration, and engaging students with STEM concepts. The document provides tips for planning a makerspace, including gathering stakeholder input, assessing available materials, and setting up an initial space for under $500.

1. M A K E R S P A C E S
O N A B U D G E T
Heidi Neltner
heidi.neltner@fortthomas.kyschools.us
Twitter: @heidinelt
www.learninprogress.blogspot.com
kymakes.weebly.com
#kymakes

2. 2 1 S T C E N T U R Y
L I B R A R I E SA R E A S M U C H A B O U T C R E A T I O N A S T H E Y A R E C O N S U M P T I O N

3. M A K E R S P A C E
• “a drop-in, laboratory-like
environment where
students design products
that serve an authentic
purpose” - ASCD Express
• It’s a common area - either
physical or digital - where
students can tinker, play
learn, experiment, fail &
make.

4. O R , W H Y S H O U L D I H A V E O N E I N T H E L I B R A R Y ?
How does it support the learning community?

5. S U P P O R T S
A L L
L E A R N E R S
• “…setting up a makerspace
in your library is a great way
to ensure that you, the
teacher, not only can learn
new things from the space
but you can do so openly
with your students, to let
them see you and respect
you as a learner just like
them!” - Laura Fleming,
Worlds of Making

6. • “Libraries are cross-curricular, multi-grade and often
have extended hours. All these are advantages for a
makerspace. In the past decade, many librarians
rebranded themselves as Library Media Specialists;
now without changing the acronym, they can be Library
Maker Specialists - making meaning, making learning
possible, and making things”
• - Martinez & Stager, Invent to Learn: Making,
Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom

7. P R E P A R I N G
F O R T H E
F U T U R E
• “Making is a way of bringing engineering
to young learners. Such concrete
experiences provide a meaningful context
for understanding abstract science and
math concepts. For older students,
making combines disciplines in ways that
enhance the learning process for diverse
student populations and opens the doors
to unforeseen career paths”
• Martinez & Stager - Invent to Learn:
Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in
the Classroom

8. B E N E F I T S T O
S T U D E N T S

9. & S U P P O R T S S T A N D A R D S B A S E D L E A R N I N G
Learning is Student Centered

10. – L A U R A F L E M I N G W O R L D S O F M A K I N G : B E S T P R A C T I C E S F O R E S T A B L I S H I N G A
M A K E R S P A C E F O R Y O U R S C H O O L
“The Maker Movement encourages a growth
mindset, which tolerates risk and failure and maybe
even encourages it”

11. G E T T I N G S T A R T E D

12. C O N S I D E R S T A K E H O L D E R
N E E D S
A S S E S S P R I O R I T I E S

13. U S E A F O R M A T
T H A T W O R K S F O R
Y O U R N E E D S
• Makerspaces “are unique
in exactly how they are
arranged to fit the purposes
of the community they
serve”
• - makerspace.com

14. C O N S I D E R
Y O U R S P A C E &
N E E D S
• Stationary area
• Entire rooms or sections (Reference
Section?)
• Does it need to be moveable?
• Makerspace Centers
• Popup Maker spaces
• Maker recess/lunch events
• After/before school events
• PBL & Genius Hour Research
• School wide Maker Faires

15. B A S E D O N S T A K E H O L D E R P R I O R I T I E S
Develop a Theme or Vision

16. S E E K
C O L L A B O R A T I O N
• With community partners
• Teachers - especially those
implementing engineering
practices, or other “specials
area” teachers
• Students - let them have a
say
• Administrators
• Other librarians

17. A S S E S S W H A T Y O U H A V E W I T H Y O U R
V I S I O N I N M I N D & F R E S H E Y E S

18. T O R E F L E C T N E E D S & C U R R E N T T R E N D S
Develop your print collection

19. F I N D A W A Y T O S H A R E T H E M W I T H S T A K E H O L D E R S
Gather together digital resources

20. J U S T A S K
U S E S O C I A L M E D I A A N D S P R E A D T H E W O R D

21. G E T T I N G S T A R T E D F O R U N D E R
$ 5 0 0
• Electronics (choose 2)
• Snap Circuits
• Makey-Makey
• Raspberry Pi
• Engineering (choose 2)
• K’nex
• Goldiblox
• Legos
• Video - for iPad
• DoInk Green Screen App
• Green Screen
• Lego Stop Action
• Crafts
• Origami Paper
• Markers
• Dry Erase Board - large
• Dry Erase Markers
• Craft Sticks
• Craft Barrel
• Construction Paper
• Glue
• Scissors

22. Q & A