A Makerspace Inventory: Presentation

 

 

Progression in a library is only possible through proposals, and therefore presentations. Presentations given at board meetings, in particular, must be succinct, clear, and to the point (in other words, all the same thing :)), as everyone is usually tired and brevity is ideal. For something as large as introducing a makerspace to a library that has never had one before--you must focus on the key aspects. Why, How, Money, and Impact. The theoretical library in my presentation, the Alexandria Public Library, is a public library that serves a population of around 14,000 people, most of which skew older into retirement. For those reasons, I built an initial tactical makerspace collection instead of a heavily technological based one right off the bat. It should be acknowledged that the makerspace will include items such as 3D printers, robot building kits, and other important tech materials in the future--just not initially. 

While creating this presentation, knowing that I would be giving it to an imaginary board helped me narrow down how I would deliver it. Fun, but not too colorful. Simple, and concise. Overall, short n' sweet but still convincing! Moreover, it was fun and interesting playing out this assignment. I know how important makerspaces in libraries are to communities. They are places to gather, places to create, relax, and make connections. Moreover, they may be incredibly useful and needed. For example, a struggling community member who needs to mend clothing, but does not own any supplies or does not know how to do it, can come to the makerspace and receive assistance and materials to help them achieve this. In this way, makerspaces cover the gambit of community support--and I believe all libraries should have them. 

 

Please see this link to my Canva presentation with notes, and this link for the Canva presentation in present mode!