ERIC Number: EJ1041897
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1094-9046
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Creativity through "Maker" Experiences and Design Thinking in the Education of Librarians
Bowler, Leanne
Knowledge Quest, v42 n5 p58-61 May-Jun 2014
A makerspace is a physical place in the library where informal, collaborative learning can happen through hands-on creation, using any combination of technology, industrial arts, and fine arts that is not readily available for home use. The underlying goal of a makerspace is to encourage innovation and creativity through the use of technology-to offer a place where everything from STEM learning to critical expression to future start-ups can be nurtured. Akin to a laboratory, the kind of learning that happens in a makerspace is hands-on, iterative, and experimental and touches a wide array of literacies. New as the maker movement is, there is little in the literature that investigates it in relation to the education and training of librarians. As someone who trains librarians, the author wondered if there was a way to integrate meaningful "making" experiences with tangible technology into the professional training of librarians so they can, in turn, effectively establish or manage a library-based makerspace that asks young people to think in new, creative ways. What skills, knowledge, and aptitudes do librarians need to implement makerspaces that reflect the core mission and goals of the library? To address these questions, the author pilot tested a "maker" experience with Library and Information Science (LIS) students, some of whom are training to be school librarians, at the University of Pittsburgh. These students participated in the Bots and Books Design Challenge, an extra-curricular event held each spring during the School of Information Sciences iFest. This article reports on her Bots and Books Design Challenge, experience.
Descriptors: Librarians, Information Science Education, Creativity, Pilot Projects, Learning Resources Centers, School Libraries, Technology Integration, Library Development, Library Materials, Library Services, Hands on Science, Learning Experience, Educational Needs, Masters Programs
American Association of School Librarians. Available from: American Library Association. 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Tel: 1-800-545-2433; Web site: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/knowledgequest/knowledgequest.cfm
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A