Making Your Makerspace Work

Five week online class facilitated for the Association of Library Service to Children (a division of ALA), Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Summer 2018

You are planning (or already have) a makerspace! This course provides concrete tips for engaging your users in exciting ways while helping them overcome the “intimidation factor” of using potentially complex (and expensive) equipment in a new and unfamiliar space. No matter what planning stage you are in for your makerspace, these tips will ensure you are better prepared for any unexpected challenges so you can stop worrying and start making! Weekly discussions cover hardware, software, and pedagogical trends in making. By the end of the course, participants will have a detailed plan of makerspace implementation as well as a compiled number of event plans and resources that can be used in their own makerspace. Let’s make your makerspace work!

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • plan and budget for a dynamic makerspace with appropriate materials that align with organizational goals (children are the intended patron base, but concepts can be applied anywhere).
  • promote a culture of making in their organizations and communities while minimizing the “intimidation factor” that makerspaces sometimes possess.
  • facilitate a variety of classes and workshops in and out of their makerspace.