Buzzwords are always cropping up. You know those terms or phrases that catch on with the public and swamp the press, but often aren't all that clear. There is a long list of puzzling, yet current ones here. Business, of course, is a hotbed of buzzwords.
Libraries are not immune to them, and one has caught on big: maker spaces. Libraries are now being encouraged to be maker spaces - offer equipment, space, supplies so that entrepreneurs and average folk can experiment and create. There have been some projects that are just mouth-dropping: libraries that have created space for metal and wood shops, foundries (well, small scale). At the other end of the scale are libraries that have carved out a corner and supplied it with a variety of basic office equipment and supplies for folks. The expectation has been huge for us libraries, but the nuts and bolts have been elusive. We all would like to offer a wood shop, but where do we find the space, the staff, the $$$?? And why libraries?
That really is an easy answer. We libraries are founded on the idea of providing access to materials that support lifelong learning, the exploration of ideas, concepts and activities. Access to materials that help you improve the quality of your life from spiritually to economically. Maker spaces are just another way to provide that access. Video brought visual access, online brought digital access, maker spaces provide physical access.
Libraries are learning that we don't have to build a blast furnace, but we can provide the tools. So libraries are circulating a wide variety of tools, tools that you might need to accomplish one thing, but you don't really want to invest in something you may only use once: post hole diggers, soldering irons, jewelry-making tools: the list goes on and on. Cake pans are a standard - several libraries in GMILCS circulate specialty shaped pans for that one time you want to make a Cookie Monster cake. So we are joining the buzz as well with our first of many tools for circulation: a sewing machine.
This machine was a generous donation. If you have a tool in great shape that you think might be of use to others via the library, please get in touch with me (abaker@kelleylibrary.org) and we will see what is possible. PLEASE don't bring it to the library before talking with me! Space and safety is critical, so let's just talk first to coordinate it all. but with your help, we can move maker space from buzz to accepted.
