Metro MakerSpace: What's in a Name?
Wanted: Your Creativity
Why: We need a name for “potential” MakerSpace rooms at Metro, the first of which will be located in the new Bethany Library.
Background: A committee has been working on system guidelines for MakerSpaces, and one of the topics is what to name the space. The committee recommends using the same name for any MakerSpace areas that are developed in the future. The team agreed that we have a lot of staff members who are very creative, so we would like to hear your suggestions for naming the space!
What we need: A name that is marketable but also fits Metropolitan Library System, our mission, and our strategic direction. We also believe that Goal 4 of the Strategic Plan is especially relevant to this new service: “MLS connects with customers on a meaningful level—adding value to each customer interaction and strengthening connections with the communities and people we serve.”
As samples to get you started, here are a few names that we’ve seen at other libraries and schools:
- Innovation Lab
- FabLab
- WeCreate Center
- IdeaLab
- Creators’ Corner
How do you give your input?
We are opening up a survey form that will allow you to submit ten ideas for names. You can add your name or submit anonymously. This process will be open through Friday, April 20th.
At the end of the two weeks, the MakerSpace committee (working with Kim Terry) will go through the names and select the top ten names that we think fit Metropolitan Library System, our mission, and our strategic direction.
Once the Top Ten have been selected, another survey will be launched to allow staff to vote for the Top Three. The MakerSpace Committee will work in conjunction with the Leadership Team to choose the final name from the Top Three staff choices.
So, let your creativity flow and submit your ideas for a name for our new MakerSpace! Click here to submit your choices.
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Comments
Could you provide us a little more information?
1) Could you define a MakerSpace (not everyone knows that term)?
2) Could you provide a sense of what this space will be at MLS? We all have different ideas about what a MakerSpace is so I think it would be helpful to have a more defined sense of what it will be used for here at Metro.
Thanks!
Thanks for your comment, Matthew! Good idea!
1. A pretty good basic definition is provided in the book "Makerspaces" by Roslund and Rodgers. "Makerspace is a general term for a place where people get together to make things. Makerspaces might focus on electronics, robotics, woodworking, sewing, laser cutting, programming, or some combination of these skills."
2. Here at MLS, our makerspaces will be guided by the needs of the community the library serves. For example, if there is a need for robotics for the local elementary schools, a makerspace might include robots and the needed technology. If there is a big sewing or music community at your branch, it may include sewing machines or sound recording equipment and software. In general, they will be designated areas designed to meet the DIY, making, creative, and technological needs of the community. They will be open to the public, as well as available for programming.
Great! That helps and it sounds like we need to keep if fairly generic as it will be used for several different "interests".
Playing off of Shake'N Bake, I like "Metro Make'N Take". I know, not that creative BUT...someone has to start us off. ;-)