Makerspaces

Reviews / Votes

The modern maker movement has gained momentum over the last two decades by infusing the creative spirit and shared infrastructure/resources of artisan cooperatives with the discovery/educational nature of libraries. As did the first edition (2014), this updated version of Burke's guide introduces librarians to the maker concept and to helps them determine whether such spaces are a good fit for their organizations. After a brief review of maker history and how libraries became involved in the movement, readers are introduced to the practical assessment and planning steps to take before implementation. Everything from space, resources, and talent needs to the types of programs, services, and equipment to offer is addressed without being prescriptive because a makerspace should align with the interests of a library's constituents. Makers work in all socioeconomic sectors and in a variety of environments, so the steps outlined apply to all library types, as illustrated through profiles of 18 different makerspaces throughout the country. Though the presentation and language are readily accessible to all readers, the text is clearly oriented toward professional librarians responsible for designing programs and services for their institutions.



Summing Up: Recommended. Researchers, faculty, and professionals. * Choice Reviews * Makerspaces: A Practical Guide for Librarians, Second Edition is the book that libraries just dipping their toes into the world of making are looking for. It gives a fantastic overview of the current makerspace implementations, with options for any size library to be able to jump in and excite their community with new abilities. If you've been trying to wrap your head around how to roll out maker services in your library, this is a great place to start. -- Jason Griffey, principal and director, Evenly Distributed LLC, and affiliate fellow, Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, Harvard University John Burke and Ellyssa Kroski have done an amazing job explaining Makerspaces in a format that is clear and concise. They highlight not only project driven outcomes for types of spaces, but share the successes of libraries around the world as reference points. -- Brian Pichman, director of Strategic Innovation, Evolve Project