Starting a Makerspace in the Library

With traditional mindset focused on library instruction, and with the schedule limitations in place due to the library skills class, the library is rarely visited by full classes and circulation statistics are down. The librarian wants to increase library use.

The school's standards specify a focus on 21st-century learning and problem solving, making the incorporation of design thinking through a makerspace an ideal fit.

I suggested we expand the ideas of what the library is for (as John Spencer says, “We need a bigger definition of research”) and expand the opportunities for collaboration and inquiry.

Concerns were finding space, lack of interest from teachers, and worries over student behavior. Together, the librarian and I researched school library makerspaces, and I visited another makerspace in our district. We surveyed teachers, and using data from the survey and discussions with the Encore team, I planned a short professional development workshop.

We also began a March Book Madness program, with a goal not of massive participation, but changing the perception of the library as a storehouse for resources. It included FlipGrid book talks by students, and an attention-getting bracket display in the hallway.

I planned several collaborative lessons, and was able to co-teach the first part of one before the school closure due to COVID-19.

Overall, teachers were excited about the makerspace possibilities, and we hope when school reopens, we'll see a positive response from students as well.