Part 1 Creating the Library Makerspace, Chapter 1 How to start a Library Makerspace by Cherie Bronkar.

As I read through the first chapter I was happy to note that what I consider a makerspace agrees with the author’s definition. She says, “The focus is on sharing and learning in a synergetic environment.” I noted that there are different focuses for different libraries. I’m in an elementary public school so funding and actual spaces need to adapt to budget, space, and needs of both staff and students. Ms. Bronkar noted that STEM is often a focus in schools. She also felt that funding is a major consideration and should be done before beginning. Well, I’ve got some items ordered so that I could get funding from my principal, so that was a little backwards but it should work!

I liked the section about how to win a grant. I will definitely look into that this fall, maybe sooner. Several ideas for where to get a grant and things to include look to be very helpful.

Ms. Bronkar also discussed diagraming the area so that students/staff know where things are located, electrical needs can be established, and space needed for each space can be determined. This part should be fun; I love using my interior design/industrial arts background!

I looked through the estimated budgets/costs for some different types of makerspaces. We will fit the Low Budget, Elementary School-Focused Makerspace Starter Kit with an estimate of $500-$1000. My principal has already asked our accountant to order the circuitry kits, Legos, and when I get back to school she will let me get some storage containers. I’m looking at the rest of the list thinking that I need to begin asking parents to start saving things! I wonder if parents check tweets from teachers in the summer?

I was also interested in the lengthy section about training staff. I don’t have any library staff but I hope to have more volunteers next year. (My regular 3 were awesome but I needed more!) I need to have things ready for them to learn how to help students use and put things away, store items they’re working on, even creating manuals. I need to set policies for makerspace use and then have a way to show off projects created. I’m thinking this is something I need to look into soon so that I can let our teachers and staff know what will be happening in the library and how they can use it. I’m seeing some crunch time after I receive materials, decide on storage/display, and set policies for use. I’m thinking policies need to be done this summer. I loved that the author included in policy development things that should be prohibited, for instance, use of our equipment to create weapons of any kind.

I’m thinking that I need to begin with some policy development!