May 14, 2016. Kingston, RI. Media Smart Libraries was thrilled to host a session at this year’s School Librarians of Rhode Island Annual Conference. The session, which was open to both registrants of the conference and the general public, was a Makerspace Fair and featured a number of different stations for attendees to visit.
Our presenters included Phyllis Humphreys, Library Media Specialist, Cole Middle School, East Greenwich, RI; Michelle Steever, Library Media Specialist, East Elementary School, Sharon, MA; FabNewport, Innovation and Design lab, Newport, RI; Brian Jepson, Editor, Makezine.com; and Allison Barker, recent URI graduate and Media Smart Libraries graduate assistant. Their stations included 3D printing, making activities for all ages, and resources for librarians to learn more about the maker movement.
The room was filled with circulating librarians who were given the chance to ask questions, test out the tech, and gather ideas from experts and peers. While many cited budgetary restraints as barriers to implementing a Makerspace, low tech options for many making activities were offered as well as creative, DIY solutions to tight budgets.
If you are interested in learning more about Makerspaces, you can visit Allison Barker’s Makerspace Resource website, found here.