Makerspaces @ UNCG Libraries

presented 6/3/14 for LIS 688 class

by Michelle + Brown + Beth

In the chat, type ONE word that describes a makerspace

to you...

WHEN WE ARE BORN, WE HAVE TWO SKILLS:

[COMPLAINING] AND [PROCESSING FOOD].

THE REST, WE HAVE TO LEARN.

The plan was ...● Purchase and setup 3D Printer (August 2013)● Install software on publicly accessible machines● Train personnel in its use● Set policies and procedures● Track its usage and Digital Media Commons (DMC)

attendance

BACKGROUND

Our plan...● Purchase and setup 3D Printer (August 2013)● Install software on publicly accessible machines● Train personnel in its use● Set policies and procedures● Track its usage and Digital Media Commons (DMC)

attendanceF A I L

http://youtu.be/uz3g3aCp0A0 | http://uncg.libguides.com/makerspace

what actually happened....● Purchase and Setup 3D Printer. (August 2013)● Install software on publicly accessible machines.● Watch 3d printer work for about three days.● One day, return to it broken.● Email tech support.● Return parts.● Install new parts.● Go back to “Email tech support” and repeat.● After two weeks of repeating, send unit back to manufacturer.● finally have a working 3d printer!

.... now its December 2013!

what went wrong?● Was the system unattended for too long?● Was it improper use by students or staff?● Trick question: nothing went “wrong”

When we make a plan and it succeeds, we learn very little.When we make a plan and it fails, we learn very quickly.

Failure is inevitable - emphasis on LEARNING, not blaming.

Embrace the Maker•PATIENCE

•Things will go wrong. Iterations is a core value. •You and your patrons (and possibly your supervisor) will get frustrated.

•PLANNING

•What happens when things break?•What happens when we get frustrated?

•SAFETY

•Can we do this without getting hurt?•Can we feel safe enough to try something new, and work through the consequences?

Make your makerspace safe for failures ...er... learning!

● Invite exploration● Encourage users to communicate when something

goes amiss● Be prepared for frustration● Refrain from blame● Get support from administration up front● Gather collaborative partners● Involve flexible, passionate people

SPRING 20143d printer open to public Feb 1, 2014 Libguide for info: uncg.libguides.com/makerspace

Google form + bring file to DMC desk or submit it via email 2/2 - 6/2 = 88 print requests ● only 13 specified it was for a class project● about 54 unique users ● 10 requests was most from one person● some request had multiple items in one file● about a dozen failed requests

“makerspaces are not necessarily born out of a specific set of materials or spaces, but rather a mindset of community partnership, collaboration, and creation.”

- from the Library as Incubator project http://www.libraryasincubatorproject.org/?p=4594

Next Steps... starting July 1, 2014our mobile makerspace (M2 ?), experiential learning grant project funded by LSTA

● integrate workshops/assignments into several LIS courses this academic year

● host online and f2f workshops each month● have a makerspace conference midyear● recruit several practicum students to work with

academic departments on projects

We Want YOU! YOU

Our Grant Team

A UNCGAcademic Dept

What projects do you think would be interesting?

Beth (efwilli3@uncg.edu), Michelle (m_folkma@uncg.edu), Brown (fbbigger@uncg.edu)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/86979666@N00/7623744452/

Resources + Links● UNCG Libraries Makerspace guide● Makerspaces @ UNCG Google + Community● How to Fail at Makerspace webinar