makerspaces | TechSoup for Libraries

Library Tech Trends for 2018

Submitted by Jim Lynch on 3 January 2018 - 12:42pm

Library Tech Trends 2018

What's in store for library tech for 2018? We have lots of important and just plain fun predictions for you, including makerspace programming suggestions, why the printed book will survive another year, some bleeding-edge tech, and a trends prediction by LITA's Christina Geuther. Welcome to 2018!

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emerging technologies

Fix It at the Library with DIY Repair Programs

Submitted by Crystal Schimpf on 16 February 2017 - 12:41pm

Making is all the rage in libraries nowadays. But what if you want to fix something that's broken? Repair programs are an opportunity to teach patrons new skills while fixing technology, electronics, clothing, and other household items. Repair programs also help reduce waste by fixing items that would otherwise be thrown away.

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makerspaces

partnerships

RCI program

How New Mexico Does Library Digital Inclusion: Meet The Makerstate Initiative

Submitted by Jim Lynch on 8 September 2015 - 12:54pm

Little girl playing with banana circuit

What does digital inclusion mean for libraries? It's the idea that all libraries, even budget-constrained ones, can provide access to current information and communication technologies for their patrons. This could include computers, apps, and current software, plus more exotic things like 3D printers, robotics, toys, programming, and trainings.

Nice idea, but how might small, rural, and other libraries without big budgets get innovative technology and training? Meet the New Mexico Makerstate Initiative.

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digital inclusion

New Mexico State Library

makerspaces

The Mix Brings Cutting Edge Tech to San Francisco Teens' Fingertips

Submitted by Ginny Mies on 23 June 2015 - 4:35pm

The Mix banners

When I heard way back in 2013 that the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) was building a dedicated teen digital media space, I was thrilled. The city of San Francisco is the home of many technology companies, such as Twitter and Adobe, and many residents work for tech companies in the surrounding Bay Area.

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Innovation at the Anchorage Public Library

Submitted by Brenda Hough on 26 June 2013 - 2:05pm

Paul Baker is the Innovation Lab Coordinator for the Anchorage (AK) Public Library. In this article, he tells us about his position and about the exciting things happening with the library and Makers and Hackers in the Anchorage community.

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Play and Technology Learning

Submitted by Brenda Hough on 19 June 2013 - 9:33am

Library Edge Benchmark 8 states: Libraries have sufficient staff with technology expertise to help patrons achieve their goals. Developing technology expertise is an ongoing process and requires creating learning situations beyond the traditional instructor/student computer lab setting. By creating environments that foster creativity and innovation, libraries can help individual staff members learn and can also help build a team that can adapt to rapid change. In this article, we'll introduce several technology learning formats that emphasize play and collaboration.

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staff technology learning

hackathons

makerspaces