The document discusses the concept of makerspaces in libraries, emphasizing their role in engaging youth through interactive activities that foster creativity and personal empowerment. It outlines various low-tech and medium-tech maker programs, highlighting their alignment with library goals such as community engagement and lifelong learning. Resources and strategies for implementing these programs in libraries are also provided.

1. Everyday
Makerspaces:
Low-Tech, Highly Engaging Library Programming for
Youth
!
!
Amy Koester

2. Hi there!
Amy Koester
!
Children’s Librarian
!
St. Charles City-County
Library District in
Missouri, USA

3. Today we’ll discuss…
What constitutes a makerspace
How makerspaces align with library goals
Using a STEAM framework for maker
activities
Resources to help YOU make at your
library

4. Today we’ll discuss…
What constitutes a makerspace
How makerspaces align with library goals
Using a STEAM framework for maker
activities
Resources to help YOU make at your
library

5. Today we’ll discuss…
What constitutes a makerspace
How makerspaces align with library goals
Using a STEAM framework for maker
activities
Resources to help YOU make at your
library

6. Today we’ll discuss…
What constitutes a makerspace
How makerspaces align with library goals
Using a STEAM framework for maker
activities
Resources to help YOU make at your
library

7. What is this
“makerspace” thing?

8. Making is really an
attitude.
Explore new skills!
Create something meaningful!

9. Makerspace =
Interactive activities
Variety of supplies
Plenty of time
(Space)

10. Makerspace =
A sense of
accomplishment &
personal empowerment.

11. So how do
makerspaces fit
library goals?
Programs & services
Lifelong learners
Community engagement
The third space

12. Makerspaces are simply another
iteration of the programming we
already offer.
!

13. Let’s talk maker
programs.

14. STEAM as a Framework

15. The Maker Spectrum
Low-tech = materials primarily on hand,
minimal prior experience with the
activities
Medium-tech = some specialty materials,
some prior experience with the activities
High-tech = significant supplies
investment, expertise is a huge plus

16. The Maker Spectrum
Low-tech = materials primarily on hand,
minimal prior experience with the
activities
Medium-tech = some specialty materials,
some prior experience with the activities
High-tech = significant supplies
investment, expertise is a huge plus

17. The Maker Spectrum
Low-tech = materials primarily on hand,
minimal prior experience with the
activities
Medium-tech = some specialty materials,
some prior experience with the activities
High-tech = significant supplies
investment, expertise is a huge plus

18. The Maker Spectrum
Low-tech = materials primarily on hand,
minimal prior experience with the
activities
Medium-tech = some specialty materials,
some prior experience with the activities
High-tech = significant supplies
investment, expertise is a huge plus

19. Low-tech Maker Program:
Build Something
Gingerbread Houses
Supplies:
milk cartons
graham crackers
icing
candy
Engineering, Art

20. Low-tech Maker Program:
Build Something
LEGO Club
Supplies:
LEGO bricks
(Building platforms)
(Challenges)
(Display space)
Engineering, Art, Math

21. Low-tech Maker Program:
Design Challenge
Marble Run Mania
Supplies:
marbles
recyclables
scissors
electric tape
Science, Engineering, Art, Math

22. Low-tech Maker Program:
Design Challenge
Marshmallow Towers
Supplies:
mini marshmallows
toothpicks
design books
Technology, Engineering,
Art, Math

23. Low-tech Maker Program:
Craft & Create
Cardmaking Crafternoon
Supplies:
paper
art supplies
scissors, glue, & tape
papercraft books
Engineering, Art, Math

24. Low-tech Maker Program:
Craft & Create
Duct Tape Designs
Supplies:
lots of duct tape
scissors
duct tape craft books
(internet access)
Technology, Engineering, Art,
Math

25. Low-tech Maker Program:
Build a World
Bonjour, Paris!
Supplies:
papercraft templates
scissors, glue, & tape
coloring utensils
Engineering, Art
image from made by joel

26. Low-tech Maker Program:
Build a World
Recycled Doll Houses
Supplies:
recycled cardboard
old magazines
scissors, glue, & tape
dolls/figurines
Engineering, Art, Math

27. Low-tech Maker Program:
Build a World
Playground Adventures
Supplies:
shoe boxes
books on simple machines
craft supplies & paint chips
scissors, glue, & tape
Science, Engineering, Art

28. Poll 1
What types of low-tech maker programs can you
envision offering at your library?

29. Medium-tech Maker Program:
Get Wired
MaKey MaKey
Supplies:
MaKey MaKey kits
computers with USB
ports
Science, Technology,
Engineering

30. Medium-tech Maker Program:
Get Wired
Scratch Games
Supplies:
computers with
internet access
computer with
projection capabilities
Technology, Art, Math

31. Medium-tech Maker Program:
Get Wired
Squishy Circuits
Supplies:
Squishy Circuits kits
conductive dough
Science, Technology,
Engineering, Art
image from Make:

32. Medium-tech Maker Program:
It’s Alive!
Art Bots
Supplies:
cheap electric toothbrushes
pool noodles
craft supplies
markers
Science, Technology, Engineering,
Art, Math

33. Medium-tech Maker Program:
It’s Alive!
Bristle Bots
Supplies:
Bristle Bot Party Pack kit
side cutters & wire strippers
race course
Science, Technology,
Engineering
image from Anne Clark, www.sotomorrowblog.com

34. Poll 2
What types of medium-tech maker programs can
you envision offering at your library?

35. No space?
No problem!
!
Mobile Makerspaces
!
à la Karen Jensen @ Betty
Warmack Branch Library
(TX)
image from Teen Librarian Toolbox

36. Don’t forget to
tap community
partners!
!
Local Businesses, Tech
Startups, & Non-profits
!
à la Justin Hoenke @
Chattanooga Public Library
(TN)

37. Find your best
resources.

38. Online Resources
Make It @ Your Library
Blogs
Teen Librarian Toolbox
so tomorrow
Imagine | Make | Play
search “library + maker”
wikiHow

39. Community Experts
Local children’s/science museums
Local artists
STEM-area businesses
Hobby societies

40. Raid Your Non-fiction
Stacks!
Find those how-to books!
Think about what topics
will pique kids’ interests

41. Purchasing Supplies
Consider how you can
repurpose and/or add on to
what you already have
Peruse your local dollar
store
Always solicit reviews &
recommendations

42. Seeking Donations
LEGOs
Gently used equipment
Financial contributions
Friends of the Library
image “OIC—Donations” by flickr user Joe Schueller,
Creative Commons licensed

43. Poll 3
What maker/STEAM resources are you going to
tap following this webinar?

44. Go forth and make!

45. Questions?
Comments?
Ideas?
!
Let’s chat!
!
@amyeileenk
!
amy.e.koester@gmail.com
!
http://
showmelibrarian.blogspot.com
image “Question Box” by flickr user Raymond Bryson,
Creative Commons licensed