Makerspaces in Libraries: Technology as Catalyst for Better Learning, Better Teaching

Abstract

Abstract.Introduction: Across disciplines, the practice of education continues to evolve. Supporting organizations such as the library are responding by reworking existing practices while developing new ones. With roots grounded deeply in constructivist learning theory, the emerging practice of makerspaces in libraries is proving an effective step in that evolution. The article was written in the year 2016 at the University of Nevada, Reno. Methodology: Examples of associated active learning activity at one such library -an early adopter and first mover among academic libraries in adopting and integrating makerspace in libraries-are presented. Results and Conclusions: The product of leveraging technology as catalyst for active learning and engagement within and beyond the physical commons of the library, a blending of formal and informal learning, leading to increased innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration across disciplinary and organizational boundaries, appears a natural result.Keywords: active learning, emerging technology, future of libraries, innovation, makerspace. Makerspaces en las bibliotecas: la tecnología como catalizador para un mejor aprendizaje y una mejor enseñanza Resumen. Introducción: en todas las disciplinas, la práctica de la educación continúa evolucionando. Las organizaciones de apoyo, como la biblioteca, están respondiendo mediante el replanteamiento de las prácticas existentes y el desarrollo de otras nuevas. Con raíces profundamente arraigadas en la teoría del aprendizaje constructivista, la práctica emergente de los espacios creativos o makerspaces en las bibliotecas está demostrando ser un avance efectivo en esa evolución. Este artículo fue escrito en el 2016 en la Universidad de Nevada. Metodología: se presentan ejemplos de actividades de aprendizaje activo y asociado en una de estas bibliotecas, una de las bibliotecas académicas pioneras y promotoras de makerspaces en sus locaciones. Resultados y conclusiones: emergen como resultado natural, el producto de la tecnología de apalancamiento como catalizador del aprendizaje activo y el compromiso dentro y fuera de los confines físicos de la biblioteca; la combinación del aprendizaje formal e informal que conduce al aumento en la innovación, el emprendimiento y la colaboración a través de fronteras disciplinarias y organizativas.Palabras clave: aprendizaje activo, tecnología emergente, futuro de las bibliotecas, innovación, makerspace.Makerspaces nas bibliotecas: a tecnologia como catalizador para uma melhor aprendizagem e um melhor ensino Resumo. Introdução: em todas as disciplinas, a prática da educação continua evoluindo. As organizações de apoio, como a biblioteca, estão respondendo mediante o replanejamento das práticas existentes e do desenvolvimento de outras novas. Com raízes profundamente arraigadas na teoria da aprendizagem construtivista, a prática emergente dos espaços criativos ou makerspaces nas bibliotecas está demonstrando ser um progresso efetivo nessa evolução. Este artigo foi escrito em 2016 na Universidad de N...

Leveraging student expertise for niche services

“…As has been discussed in other literature (Colegrove, 2017), the DeLaMare Science and Engineering Library began offering makerspace services, including 3D printing and scanning, in 2012. Over time, the collection grew and evolved to reflect the changing needs of its user population.…”

STEM Library Activities in Croatian Primary School Curriculums

“…Niemi et al (2014) promotes digital storytelling (DST), where students' videos are used as motivational tools for learning. Many authors recognize technology as a catalyst for better learning and teaching (Colegrove, 2016;Glatthorn, 2019;Johnson, 2017;Subramanianet al, 2013). Subramaniam et al (2013) examined the role of school librarians in enhancing science learning.…”

Creating a Virtuous Circle of Student Engagement with the Tech Corner

“…As described by Burke, in the last decade, the Maker Movement has grown from a dispersed group of independent arts, crafts, and tinkering spaces connected by a popular magazine launched in 2005, Make: (2014). The Maker Movement now includes a number of facilities housed in public libraries, public schools, commercial or cooperatively run membership facilities, engineering programs in colleges and universities, and a growing number of North American academic libraries (Colgrove, 2016;Groenendyk & Gallant, 2013). In a search of the websites of the top 127 engineering programs in the 2014 U.S. News and World Reports ranking, Barrett et al (2015) located 35 makerspaces.…”

“…The common denominator in these conversations and investigations was that relatively high-demand, technology-related resources and equipment, while available on campus, were dispersed among various department spaces and labs, not well-known or marketed to the general UNLV community, and often available to limited groups with limited hours. She had visited the University of Nevada, Reno libraries in October 2013 and been intrigued with their maker culture and implementation of 3-D scanning, design, and printing (Colgrove, 2016).…”