Making For Everyone

Our Work

"Makerspace Services and Programming for Youth with Disabilities in Public Libraries: Current State and Prevalence", published in Public Library Quarterly in June 2026. Public Library Quarterly Paper (if you don't have access, please feel free to contact the authors!)
"Inclusive makerspaces for youth with disabilities: Best practices for public libraries", presented virtually by the Making for Everyone team on April 1st, 2026, at the Public Library Association conference. PLA Presentation 2026
"Designs and Strategies of Public Library Makerspaces for Youth with Disabilities: A Collective Case Study", presented by the Making for Everyone team at ASIS&T 2025. ASIS&T 2025 Paper (if you don't have access, please feel free to contact the authors!)
"Making is for Everyone: Lessons Learned from Library Makerspaces for Youth with Disabilities", presented virtually at a library makerspaces research showcase funded by an IMLS National Leadership Grant, led by the University of Illinois and the Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab, on February 28th, 2025. publish.illinois.edu/librarymakerspaces/showcase/schedule/

Additional Resources

Accessibility and Universal Design in Makerspaces and Beyond

“Makerspace Accessibility Assessment Checklist” – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
https://publish.illinois.edu/imls-a11y/makerspace-accessibility-assessment/
A checklist for evaluating how accessible an existing makerspace is. Useful for identifying barriers and areas for improvement.
“Guidelines for Accessibility and Universal Design for Makerspaces” – University of Washington DO-IT https://doit.uw.edu/brief/making-a-makerspace-guidelines-for-accessibility-and-universal-design/
A guide outlining how to design accessible makerspaces. Covers physical layout, equipment, and inclusive practices grounded in universal design principles.
"Knowbility" https://knowbility.org/
A nonprofit organization focused on digital accessibility and inclusive design. Provides training, usability testing services, and community programs that promote access to technology for people with disabilities.

Library Makerspaces & Programming

"ALA Library Makerspaces Guide" https://libguides.ala.org/makerspaces
An overview of makerspaces in libraries that includes best practices, toolkits, and examples of programming across different library settings.
“National Forum to Connect and Advance Library Makerspaces: Strategic Directions” www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/140143
A national report outlining key values, challenges, and future priorities for library makerspaces, emphasizing accessibility and sustainability.
"Library Programming for Adults with Developmental Disabilities" – Barbara Klipper & Carrie Scott Banks https://www.alastore.ala.org/DDprograms
A book focused on creating inclusive and engaging programs for adults with developmental disabilities in library settings.

Equity, Inclusion, and Disability Advocacy in Libraries

"American Library Association Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services" https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/diversity
Provides initiatives related to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and outreach within libraries and the broader information sciences profession, such as resources, toolkits, and professional development opportunities that help libraries better serve marginalized communities.
“Nothing About Us Without Us” – Carrie Banks (University of South Carolina, 2022, YouTube Video)
Nothing About Us Without Us
A talk discussing the importance of including people with disabilities in the design of library services and programs, highlighting how Inclusive Services at Brooklyn Public Library relies on youth with disabilities to design, shape, advertise and implement their services.

"Social Work in Libraries Symposium" December 2022 recorded presentations https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/librarysocialwork/social-work-in-libraries-2/social-work-in-libraries-symposium/
A collection of presentations exploring how social work and libraries intersect.

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