An elementary school librarian quickly assembled an inexpensive LEGO wall with donated LEGO bricks, crowdsourced advice, and good humor.
My Love/Hate Relationship with 3-D Printers in Libraries
By on April 5, 2016
We’ve seen 3-D printers shift from cool niche products to supposed must-haves. But are we achieving the dream or just printing tchotchkes?
White House Announces 2016 National Week of Making, June 17–23
By on March 9, 2016
Along with President Obama’s announcement the 2016 National Week of Making, June 17–23, he described two other initiatives to support maker spaces and technical education in schools.
MakerBridge Site and Blog Show Diversity in Maker Movement | The Maker Issue
By on June 17, 2015
Being a maker is about independence and empowerment, says MakerBridge Project founder Sharona Ginsberg. Focused on making in libraries and schools, the site features tech tips, tool reviews, and variety of resources and profiles.
Evolution of a Maker Space, From “Monstie Stuffie” Projects to a Giant Catapult
By on June 11, 2015
Colleen Graves, SLJ Maker Workshop speaker and 2014 School Librarian of the Year Finalist, describes how her little middle school library maker space grew to encompass an inter-school catapult challenge, an international network, and the support and enthusiasm of teachers.
3-D Printers: Understanding Copyright, Fair Use, and More
By on May 12, 2015
An ALA information policy analyst outlines the legal issues relevant to 3-D printing in public and school libraries—and explains why librarians should lead the way in creating acceptable use policies for this technology.
Coding Skills Empower Us All |The Maker Issue
By on May 11, 2015
We’re not coding in schools so that every kid can get a tech job; we’re doing so to give all kids the chance to understand and interact with the technologies in their lives.
Ready to Learn Coding? Here are resources. Plus: Teaching with Scratch| The Maker Issue
By on May 11, 2015
Resources for learning to code online and face to face, from Khan Academy to Black Girls Code; and suggested lesson plans using Scratch.
SLJ Reviews LittleBits: These bright, appealing sets encourage tinkerers to explore electronics
By on February 11, 2015
Imagine if building a flashlight was as easy as stacking blocks, or that you could build a robot with a shoebox, nine-volt battery, and a pile of components small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Enter LittleBits, a modular, à la carte electronics prototyping platform for users of all skill levels
New Jersey Librarians Get $116,000 in Makerspace Grants
By on April 7, 2014
Fifteen New Jersey libraries—including public, school, and academic institutions—have received funds from a New Jersey Library Makerspace grant initiative making way for libraries to become a hotbed of community skill building and personal connections.
