MAKING ROOM FOR INFORMAL LEARNING Librarians Discuss the Future of Maker Spaces Compiled by Caroline Nansumba/MIP(2015)

Introduction :American Librarians spoke to representatives from four library maker spaces and these were Megan Danak (Principal Librarian at Tanpa Hillsborough County) Sarah Winchowky (Project coordinator at the Free library of Philadelphia's Makers) Susan Downs(Chief Executive Officer about the Maker’s Space) Aaron Deveries (Public Library Idea Lab Manager) Under Five Sub-Headings the above librarians were able to give their views as follows below:  Developing Space Identity And Received by Users  Space Making Changing User’s Perception of the Library.  Any Challenges in Maker Movement to Potential Partners  Determining Programs and Technology to Introduce in Libraries  Maker Movement for Libraries

Developing Space Identity And Received by Users Megan Danak (Librarian Tampa County) Sarah Winchowky (Project Coordinator) Susan Downs (Chief in Space Making) Aaron Devices (Public Library Idea Manager) Our main library building has a facade made of recycled pipes in the shape of a hexagon The library wanted something up to date but specific to Philadelphia, we wanted people to come and have right to the space. We were renovating our largest branch, and we discovered one day that the building needed a new roof. We were able to move into a former drugstore, and in that environment we started to do things differently We intentionally didn't have "library" on the building at first. we first had 3D printing in our branches, there were a lot of questions about why it was in a library

Space Making Changing User’s Perception of The Library Megan Danak (Librarian Tampa County) Sarah Winchowky (Project Coordinator) Susan Downs (Chief in Space Making) Aaron Devices (Public Library Idea Manager) The maker space has a lot of firsts for us in terms of technology, and the first thing that comes out of most people's mouths is, "I never thought this would being the library We have people who have been coming to make programs for a while, and they act as volunteers because they can help other newer makers. We like the idea of the community kitchen, where everyone is creating and discussing and arguing together We've seen that happen in both our hacker space and the digital media lab- the superstars who are just hanging out with the stuff engage with new people coming for the first time we're also working on a budging system when people have learned the processes for using a piece of equipment That's engaged the people who walk through the door and it's created a very different environment than the transactional model of library service. Anyone who's comfortable in the space is going to become a go- to person for her niche.

Any Challenges In Maker Movement to Potential Partners Megan Danak (Librarian Tampa County) Sarah Winchowky (Project Coordinator) We’re giving a venue to the existing local robotics community through our robotics center. trying to make it a space where the community drives what the programming is We've connected with local groups like the Philadelphia Youth Network, as well as national groups like the Maker Education Initiative We allow the public to book our space, and we're able to reach partners who need a space and show them the resources the library has to offer Having partners throughout the city and in different parts of the country helps us to be more useful to patrons and makers- we can connect them to opportunities they may not have otherwise had So we have to work together to figure out how a partnership can meet the goals of all the partners.

Determining Programs and Technologies to Introduce Megan Danak (Librarian Tampa County) Sarah Winchowky (Project Coordinator) Aaron Devices (Public Library Idea Manager) With a recording lab, digital studio, Adobe software, and 3D printer, we're seeking feedback all the time and hoping to tailor services to what the public wants Periodically reviewing the needs and interests of the makers, polling maker mentors, collecting suggestions from staff and local and national partners. I'm excited about is electronics and coding. We've often talked about the importance of learning code. There are great organizations in our area that we're excited to work with as partners Due to the increase in library sites, we've had to begin more formal documentation so we know where our equipment is and the information that is in our staff's heads

Maker Movement for Libraries Megan Danak (Librarian Tampa County) Sarah Winchowky (Project Coordinator) Susan Downs (Chief in Space Making) Libraries have always had maker programs, that I think that as people come to expect this from a library, it's going to change the face of what we do. Not all learning comes out of a book, so libraries look to have the maker movement flourish need to embrace the informal learning that's taking place We think that creating an environment for the community to engage in is the next big thing Making is not always quiet or orderly or clean, fancy equipment in a dedicated space to have a successful program So formal buildings can sometimes lead to formal behaviors that can inhibit learning We've changed some job titles and job descriptions because they can be limiting-we now have resident tinkerers and artists-in- residence, and we let them try new things that come with those new titles