This presentation will begin with a comprehensive description of the technologies available in the CP Library makerspace. It will then discuss three key elements to fostering engagement with your community through your makerspace including: creating student buy-in, creating staff and faculty buy-in, and promoting your makerspace through student events and instruction services. Student buy-in can be created through a variety of training options, both one-on-one and in groups. It can also be created through encouraging students to attempt to utilize new technologies and flexing their creative muscles. Student buy-in also requires the encouragement for students to make projects for their own personal edification in the makerspace and to engage in iterative learning through a trial-and-error approach. Staff/faculty buy-in can be created through a variety of methods including cross-departmental staffing of the makerspace within the library, implementing a train the trainer method, encouraging non-library staff to receive free one-on-one training, and encouraging staff and faculty to make projects for their own personal edification. Promoting your makerspace successfully among your community includes tying makerspace tours into instruction sessions, attending student events and running tables, and hosting events open to the entire college community in the space.
Thursday October 16, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT Winston 1A301 West 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
