Makerspace

Are you ready to get crafty with Indigenous traditions for 21st century learning? Learn to bridge brilliant craft traditions with STEAM literacies through Indigenous-led maker programs.

In 2019, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) launched their makerspace, the Creativity Commons, to the public. Dalia built alliances with local stakeholders such as Indigenous artists, makers, and community members interested in cultivating a reclamation of culture through the library makerspace.

Through an Indigenous-led approach to program delivery, libraries can better amplify Indigenous voices in a reconciliatory manner. This not only offers those of Indigenous ancestry the opportunity to learn about their cultural traditions that were outlawed previously in Canada, but encourages a wider audience of community members to learn about pre-colonial traditions and connect with the local Indigenous community in the hands-on process.

Bridging the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through DIY making empowers life-long learners to celebrate equity, diversity and inclusion, and decolonizes state-funded spaces that have historically excluded Indigenous knowledge-keepers and voices.

Come learn how library makerspaces coupled with sound, culturally appropriate, outreach practices can preserve and pass on traditional knowledge for generations to come and build lasting community partnerships. Simultaneously, we can impart hands-on STEAM-based literacies that foster 21st century learning and welcoming makerspaces for renewed success!

The University of Victoria Libraries Digital Scholarship Commons (DSC) is a digital lab and academic makerspace that provides access to digital tools, offers free introductory workshops on how to use those tools, and provides consultation services for students and staff who need direction or support using the tools. This session will briefly review the tools and services the DSC offers, and then explore research conducted at the DSC about student perceptions of digital fluency workshops and the democratic role the academic library plays in providing access to digital tools and instruction on a multi-disciplinary campus. https://uvic.ca/library/dsc

Makerspaces are the big buzz around public libraries today, but without proper planning the project can easily fall flat. This session will detail Airdrie Public Library’s experiences in planning, implementing, and maintaining a makerspace, as well as share lessons learned throughout the process. This session will also talk about the importance of being agile towards change, as nothing goes as planned!
KELLY KIRKPATRICK-LAUZON is the Operations Manager at the Airdrie Public Library. Kelly has been with the Airdrie Public Library for 8 years managing different departments including information services, information technology, technical services, collections, and inter-library loans. Prior to Airdrie, Kelly worked at Northern Lights Library System as the Information Technology Consultant. Kelly is passionate about the role libraries play in creating successful communities of people who are dynamic problem solvers and freethinking, lifelong learners.

Answering community demands for a makerspace when you have no money, no staff, and no space is a daunting task. Despite the challenges of staffing, budget, and space constraints, St. Albert Public Library successfully launched its Makerspace in 2018. Lisa will share lessons learned by SAPL including how to conduct interdepartmental staff training, selecting and training volunteers, how to operate without a permanently allocated space, and options for libraries on a limited budget. The SAPL makerspace brings together a broad demographic, including 30-49 year olds who normally do not participate in library programs. The makerspace is open two times per month overseen by one staff facilitator and 2 to 3 volunteers. Attendees explore different technologies, connect with others in the community, and move from being consumers to creators.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify a wide variety of adult programming ideas to try.
• Gather ideas, tips, tricks, and inspiration for adult programming.
• Creative inspiration