Library Makerspaces: An Innovation In Library And Information Services Helen Nneka Okpala Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria Workshop held in Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, 22nd – 27th May, 2016. Websites: www.helenokpala.com www.library.unn.edu.ng/helen E-mail: helen.okpala@unn.edu.ng

Introduction Paradigm shift CHANGE! MAKE NOW

Introduction contd… SPACE & RESOURCES (Books, technology, Internet, online resources)…Good for makerspace. Provide

20% Public Libraries 80% Academic Libraries Makerspace Makerspace Early Makerspace Development Public Libraries Makerspace 20% Makerspace Makerspace Makerspace Academic Libraries Makerspace Makerspace 80%

40% Public Libraries 60% Academic Libraries Makerspace Makerspace Current Makerspace Development Public Libraries Makerspace 40% Makerspace Makerspace Makerspace Makerspace Academic Libraries Makerspace Makerspace Makerspace Makerspace 60%

What About Makerspace? Makerspace is: A technology-enabled space for making things or environment where individuals come together to share knowledge and ideas. A conducive environment where people are able to design products from zero to existence – a place designed to ‘democratize the act of making something from scratch’ (Cavalcanti, 2013) Collaborative learning environments where people come together to share materials and learn new skills (The Library as Incubator Project, 2013).

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/513128951273976393/

Why Makerspace? Provide access to a wide variety of tools and technology; Facilitate group interaction, knowledge, and resource sharing; Supply access to physical space for individual project development; Provide an open environment for expression of creativity and innovation; Access to equipment for prototyping project ideas for companies. Community empowerment Foster community collaboration and co-creation Inter-generational learning and social connectedness, Developing a culture of lifelong learning and adding socio-economic advantage to communities. Provide an opportunity for libraries to future-proof themselves and adapt to meet the changing nature of society

Makerspace Technologies or Activities Computer Workstations Photo editing/Photo editing Software 3D printing/3D Printers Creating a website or online portfolio Video editing/Software 3D Scanning/Scanner 3D Modeling High Quality Scanner Computer Programming/software Animation Software Apps/Creating Apps VHS Conversion equipment Projectors Prototyping (3D fabrication, laser cutting, 3D modeling software, digitizers) Research materials, especially patent searches Resources on how to use 3D modeling software CAD/CAM software 3D Design software 3D Printers 3D Designs

The kind of materials in your library makerspace would depend on the type of makerspace you want!

3D Printer? Usually Necessary In A Makerspace…Used to Print ANYTHING, Right? Let’s See!

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/10/06/health/3d-printed-heart-simulated-organs/

3D Technologies In University Of Pretoria Library Makerspace

Makerspace in Libraries Valdosta State University- Staff at the Odom Library created a makerspace by repurposing an unused room to give students a place to work on digital media projects. The makerspace was equipped by Library staff members who repurposed surplus equipment from the campus’ IT department, surplus furniture from elsewhere in the university, and by gaining internal grants to buy 3D printers. Library staff members offer regular workshops to teach students how to use the technologies or complete their projects independently.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): The mission of the Shapiro Library Innovation Lab & Makerspace includes helping users become innovators, who then become makers

Library Makerspace? A place where people can collaborate, innovate, and create using information, resources, tools, and collections provided at the library. People can play, tinker, explore, or pursue personal or professional goals (http://librarymakerspace.blogspot.com.ng/2013_03_01_archive.html) Books Technologies People Space

Libraries As Makerspaces: Justification The Library is a central place for learning The Library is a center for innovation The Library is a place for knowledge creation Marketing of library services Equitable access to new technologies

Makerspace Implications For Librarians And Students Organization of sensitization and literacy programmes for users on the use of the makerspace technologies. A designated webpage or Facebook page for the makerspace. Latest technologies at the makerspace could be announced on this page. New Portfolio for Librarians: makerspace Manager, makerspace Librarian. Continuing Professional Development. Students enrolled in technology-oriented subjects like Engineering, Computer Science, Vocational and Technical Education, etc.

Mobile Makerspace: Makerspace on Wheels University of Nigeria, Nsukka mobile Makerspace

Planning A Successful Makerspace In Nigerian Libraries

Makerspace Proposal Guide Proposed Location Target Audience Technologies/tools/activities Policy development Budget plan Floor Plan Name of Library Proposed Makerspace Definition Objectives Mission Statement Proposed URL

Academic Library Makerspace Floor Plan: 2D Rep Academic Library Makerspace Floor Plan: 2D Rep. Designed by Helen Nneka Okpala

Academic Library Makerspace Floor Plan: 3D Rep Academic Library Makerspace Floor Plan: 3D Rep. Designed by Helen Nneka Okpala

Challenges Of Implementing A Makerspace Project In Academic Libraries. The challenge of training the users Security challenges Funding Issues Lack of sufficient space in the library building: Erratic power supply: Technophobia High cost and maintenance of equipment, Internet bandwidth, hardware and software

Conclusion and Recommendation The idea of situating makerspace in the library goes beyond drawing users to the library to fostering creativity and invention In proposing a makerspace in libraries for an academic institution, there is the need to make references to existing makerspaces in other libraries and their success stories and then an opportunity to visit libraries where makerspaces exist should be suggested. This calls for training and workshop opportunities for librarians on makerspace. The established benefits will lead the way to writing a concise proposal to the University management on establishing a makerspace in the University library which will likely yield a positive result. There is need for makerspace in the Nigerian academic library for the fact that it will help build a community of collaborators, introduce new technologies, as well as boost the library’s image. The library however, needs to seek the support of the university administration for this project to come to fruition.