Chang, S., Penney, L., Wardrip, P., Anderson, A., Craddock, I., Martin, C.K., Millerjohn, R., & Stone, N. (2019). Opportunities and Vignettes for Library Makerspaces.  Available at https://makered.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMLS-LibraryMakerspaces2019_WPweb_final.pdf Summary This white paper elaborates on the state of research and assessment in library makerspaces, drawn from conversations among librarians, educators, and researchers who participated in the National […]

Burke, J. (2015). Making Sense: Can Makerspaces Work in Academic Libraries? In ACRL 2015 Proceedings (pp.497-504). Portland, OR: American Library Association. Available at https://sc.lib.miamioh.edu/bitstream/handle/2374.MIA/5212/Burke.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Summary This paper speaks to the state of library makerspaces writ large, including the tools and activities found in these spaces and the motivations for creating makerspaces in libraries. The author […]

Eckert, C. (2016, August). Libraries Are Not Neutral — Opinion. School Library Journal.  Available at https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=libraries-are-not-neutral-opinion Summary This opinion piece elaborates on the perspective and stance that libraries are not neutral. Both historically and in the current day, the decisions made by librarians affect the programs, collections, displays, and services they provide to their community, and […]

Institute of Museum and Library Services. (2014). Learning labs in libraries and museums: Transformative spaces for teens. Available at https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/assets/1/AssetManager/LearningLabsReport.pdf Summary Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the MacArthur Foundation, starting in 2011, 24 Learning Labs were created, designed, and launched as teen spaces in museums and libraries across the […]

Hoffman, K. M., Subramaniam, M., Kawas, S., Scaff, L., & Davis, K. (2016). Connected libraries: Surveying the current landscape and charting a path to the future. College Park, MD; Seattle, WA: The ConnectedLib Project. Available at https://ssrn.com/abstract=2982532 Abstract Connected learning is a powerful educational framework that emphasizes creative and social learning experiences that are driven […]

Koh, K., & Abbas, J. (2015). Competencies for information professionals in learning labs and makerspaces. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 56(2), 114-129. Available at https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1073572 Abstract An increasing number of libraries and museums provide transformative learning spaces, often called “Learning Labs” and “Makerspaces.” These spaces invite users to explore traditional and digital […]

Urban Library Council. (2019). MakerSpaces in Libraries. Available at https://www.urbanlibraries.org/member-resources/makerspaces-in-libraries Summary This Urban Libraries list includes almost 50 public libraries that offer maker programming or makerspaces. A short, thoughtful description, as well as outcomes, of the makerspace is included for each member library listed. Overall, it provides a strong snapshot of what making in public […]

Andrews, C. A. (2017). Learning and Teaching in Library Makerspaces: A Literature Review on Making Literacies. In ISAM 2017 Paper No. 109. Cleveland, OH: Case Western Reserve University. Available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4ZIatyugWjJdmU3YVNHelhiMWc/view Summary Andrews takes a look at the research and literature on literacies (or knowledge, skills, and attitudes) that are or can be attributed to making, as […]

Jacobson, L. (2017, Sept 9). Maker Movement Grows in K-12, with Librarians Leading the Way, Finds SLJ Survey. School Library Journal. Available at https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=maker-movement-grows-k-12-librarians-leading-way-finds-slj-survey Summary The School Library Journal School Maker Survey from 2017 identified the critical role that school librarians play in supporting and leading maker efforts within their schools, whether related to activities, supply management, […]

Willett, R. (2016). Making, Makers, and Makerspaces: A Discourse Analysis of Professional Journal Articles and Blog Posts about Makerspaces in Public Libraries. The Library Quarterly, 86(3), 313-329 Available at https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/686676 Pre-publication and free download available at https://www.academia.edu/12688716/Making_makers_and_makerspaces_a_discourse_analysis_of_professional_journal_articles_and_blog_posts_about_makerspaces_in_public_libraries Abstract Focusing on current discussions about public library makerspaces, this article reveals how common themes are being discursively […]