Program
Library makerspaces create opportunities for patrons to create, develop, and perfect their skills by making equipment such as 3D printers, open source electronic prototyping platforms, and other emerging enabled technology readily available to the public.
It is one thing, however, to have the technology available. It is an entirely another endeavor to create and maintain learning pathways and curriculum associated with the technology that help people to enter a cycle of learning and to plan for progress, especially if you are a rural or small library working with limited resources and other constraints. The Nation of Makers, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping support America’s maker organizations, sees the opportunity of library makerspaces in small and rural communities. In the changing digital age, access to such technology is critical to ensuring patrons have resources available to foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial endeavors, especially in rural areas.
Featuring Dorothy Jones-Davis, executive director of Nation of Makers, and rural librarians identified by the Nation of Makers and the Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL), the program will cover steps to establish a makerspace in a rural or small library, talk about techniques for sharing resources and establishing a community of practice, and share advice and examples for creating curriculums associated with the technology that meets the unique needs of patrons.
This panel will also compliment the Washington Office’s pre-conference advocacy event, focusing on library makerspaces for members of Congress and their staff that will be held on Thursday in the U.S. Capitol.
ALA Unit/Subunit: ALA,WO
Meeting Type: Program
Cost: Included with full conference registration.
Open/Closed: Open
Dorothy Jones-Davis
Executive Director
Nation of Makers