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2015 MIDWINTER MEETING HIGHLIGHTS COGNOTES • 11

Discovering the Role of Libraries in the Makerspace and Hackerspace World

By Kacee Anderson, Harmony Science Academy

The role of the library within a community is constantly evolving. Mita Williams, University of Windsor, Windsor (Ontario, Canada) took audience members through a historical journey from the first Mechanics Institutes to present-day Makerspaces, Hackerspaces, and TechShops during the ALA Masters Series on February 1.

Business startups such as incubators and accelerators are everywhere. Where do library Makerspaces fit in? Hackerspaces and Makerspaces can be successfully implemented in libraries. Hackerspaces, like Maker-spaces, allow users to come together to collectively create new products.

C-base, one of the very first Hackerspaces in the world, was built from a reconstructed space station that fell to earth. As Europe's largest Hackerspace, C-base has been around for 30 years. Numerous activities have been hosted at C-base such the establishment of the German Pirate Party and a meeting place for German Wikipedia. There are currently around 1,000 Hackerspaces.

TechShops, which first appeared in 2006, are privately-owned places for members to work to build prototypes for their Kickstarter campaigns. There are currently only eight TechShops in the United States. They are slow to open as they require access to space that includes half a million dollars in equipment and at least 800 people to pay $100/month to be viable.

Fab Lab first started in 1998 with one professor's course at MIT on how to make almost anything. Launched in 2001 as educational outreach, there is now an ambitious network of labs around the world. Each FabLab provides a core set of tools to anyone so they can make almost anything. Each FabLab has to be made regularly available to the public at little or no cost.

The first library Makerspace actually began as a FabLab in New York. One of the major differences between Makerspaces and FabLabs today is that all Makerspaces are completely different from each other and they are generally open to everyone.

Mechanics Institutes, largely geared toward working-class men to keep them busy, were short-lived. Although most did not survive, the book collections of failed Mechanics Institutes became the core collections of the first public libraries.

One of the admirable things about libraries is that they have embraced Makerspaces and keep people as the focus of the space and not the technology. Williams also noted how proud she was that libraries have opted to be much more accessible in their materials and Makerspaces. Libraries tend to host activities which encourage personal expression. Williams stated, “As long as libraries focus on the people, libraries will continue to be a space where the future can be built.”

Outside Marketing Adds Value to Libraries

By Kacee Anderson, Harmony Science Academy

Ben Bizzle, director of technology at Craighead County Jonesboro (Ark.) Public Library, spoke January 31 about the importance of marketing in the library. In May 2008, Bizzle quickly discovered the perceived war taking place between libraries and what he called the “trinity of evil.” According to his colleagues, Google, Wikipedia, and Amazon were attacking libraries and they had to fight back.

How can a library battle such opponents when its only weapon is an outdated website? It all starts with good leaders. Libraries must have leaders who work with people, not managers who focus on processes. Let the people that have talent in your library do the things they are good at.

In his book Start a Revolution: Stop Acting Like a Library, Bizzle addresses the aggressive marketing approach Jonesboro took to add value to the library. Bizzle notes that librarians should “reach out to people where they are and don't expect them to come to you all the time.”

“Reach out to people where they are and don't expect them to come to you all the time.”

Throughout the session, Bizzle stressed the importance of digital presence. “Your website is basically another branch of your library,” he said, “and it is just as valuable as the other branches.” Jonesboro now has a fully responsive web design created by a development company. In addition, it has a mobile app which allows users to easily access the features they need most.

Quality promotion is key. Bizzle noted that it's better to market an entertaining program and show patrons other useful programs once they're in the library. “Sell them on the sweet stuff, and deliver the meat once they get there,” he said. Jonesboro held zombie prom, adult sci-fi parties, and bingo nights at the library. Bizzle used Facebook ads and placed posters throughout the community to promote the events.

“You have to try things that are a little bit risky,” he said. “Not every idea is a good idea. Don't go too far, but don't be afraid to stretch.”

Ben Bizzle on Bold Leadership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGnWRt8N-TU