Library Services for Graduate Students in Mathematics: Makerspace

The Kenan Science Library Makerspace

The Kenan Science Library Makerspace is located in the Kenan Science Library in Venable Hall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It can be accessed via the courtyard situated between Venable Hall and Murray Hall, or through the indoor lobby connecting the two buildings. The KSL Makerspace offers collaborative work spaces, arts and crafts materials, a 3D printing service, Cricut Maker, sewing machines, soldering and other electronics equipment, and 3D scanners. Visit the Tools & Tech tab or the space website for more information on offerings.

What is a makerspace?

"A makerspace is a collaborative work space inside a school, library, or separate public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools. These spaces are open to kids, adults, and entrepreneurs and have a variety of maker equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, soldering irons and even sewing machines. A makerspace however doesn't need to include all of these machines or even any of them to be considered a makerspace. If you have cardboard, Legos and art supplies you're in business."    -- Makerspaces.com

"Simply put, a makerspace is a place where you can make things. It's a place for hands-on learning with all the tools for creativity . . . A makerspace helps you turn your ideas into real, tangible objects."    -- U.S News Global Education

"Defining a makerspace can be somewhat difficult due to the differences among spaces and activities, but the emphasis is on creating with technology. STEM education . . . has been quick to embrace these spaces and technologies, but it is important to stress that makerspaces are not for STEM activities only. Jeff Sturges of Detroit's Mt. Elliot Makerspace said in ALA TechSource's December 3 makerspace webinar, 'Beyond engineering and STEM, this is about creating creative people.'"   -- Caitlin A. Bagley, ALA TechSource

The definitions of "makerspace" vary, but almost all include emphasis on collaboration, creativity, technology, and location. A makerspace is a dedicated, often workshop-like space that offers tools, materials, and an environment for users to develop technical or artistic projects through the creation of physical objects. Crafters design, entrepreneurs prototype, DIY-ers build, and students learn by doing.

Makerspaces have become more popular in recent years and are increasingly found in schools and libraries. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an on-campus network of makerspaces, BeAM (Be A Maker), is free to use for UNC affiliates. Students, staff, and faculty utilize the spaces' tools and materials for personal, research, and course-related projects.