"Making Libraries Making Makers"

Presented by C J Lynce, Cleveland Public Library

Lynce describes his 27-branch library's experience with a variety of Makerspace technology.

Their large TechCentral space has 15 staff members and one dedicated IT person, and they allow patrons to request a 1 hour one-on-one session on any topic. 

Their definition: A MakerSpace “serves as a gathering point for tools, projects, mentors and expertise. A collection of tools does not define a Makerspace. Rather, we define it by what it enables: making.  A Makerspace is a learning environment rich with possibilities.”

Below is a detailed list of some of their equipment and their total budget for each category:

Equipment:
Green screen, screen stands, studio lights, camera, tripod, accessory kit, software, portable light box, white screen ($2300 total, but there are lower cost alternatives.)

Music production:
Guitar, bass guitar, stand, drum machine, midi keyboard, microphone, cable, line audio adapter, headphones ($1,000 to $1,500).  The adapter allows them to record directly to a computer. 

Programming/wiring:
Arduino Uno, Arduino starter kit, resisters, diodes & misc parts, Raspberry Pi kit, makey-makey, soldering station ($150)

3D printing:
Printing, filament (10), painters tape rolls, putty knife or painters tool, extra-hold hair spray, software ($3,055).  He mentioned that 3D printing takes a lot of staff time, both for printing and because the printers "break constantly".

Vinyl cutting:
Vinyl cutter, starter kit, weeding tools, cutting mats, vinyl (6 rolls x 50 yd) transfer tape, blades (6), software. ($2,785) 25% of the equipment usage is by library staff for library programs, but the vinyl cutter is one of their least used machines.

Laser engraver:
Laser engraver, air compressor, exhaust pump, software, material adapters, filter unit, filters ($15,000-$30,000).

He noted that Makerspaces do not have to have equipment or large budgets. (His library can’t replicate all of the equipment at their 27 branches, and some of the equipment is not portable.)  For programming, any available space can be used, and there are many objects that can be reused and many free resources.

Online resources that he mentioned: Makeitatyourlibrary.org, www.instructables.com, spaces.makerspace.com (for equipment). 

Software: www.getpaint.net (free, more complex than Windows Paint). 123d.circuits.io (Arduino programming).

Equipment that's helpful: scissors, utility knifes, pens, pencils, markers, some laptops and iPads

Projects they've done: Abstract Art (Sumo Paint), Digital Darkroom (pixlr.com), audio mixing (Audacity, Creative Commons music).  Virtual Jam Session – iPads, Apple’s Garage Band (Good drop-in program for kids or teens).  Sticky Note Speakers (fun but the magnets a bit expensive).  Tough Wallet out of Tyvek mail envelope.  Duct Tape Wallet. Coding (Kidsruby.com) for kids & adults.  Easy Loom Knitting (they knit hats & donate to a homeless shelter. They got yarn donations but needed to buy looms.)  3D Pet Monster (for elementary-teen, 3D printer optional). Custom Cookie Cutters (www.cookiecaster.com). 3D paper craft: www.123dapp.com/make. Font Making: tinyurl.com/ILMakeFonts. Codes & Cyphers: tinyurl.com/ILMakeEnigma. Camera Obscura.
Even Homebrewing!

Construction Kits (Legos, Erector Sets, Little Bits, Snap Circuits) are a very portable and inexpensive program. ($50-$300.) They leave the kits out with a sign, “please build me.”

Important notes: Making is messy! And noisy (but this happens when people are enjoying themselve and they encourage it). They have done program outside of the library that have drawn non-library patrons in.  Fewer patrons are involved but there are many success stories shared by patrons.