A year after Karen Jensen and staff opened a teen maker space at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County (OH), she assesses what worked, what didn’t, and how to move forward.
11 Lessons from a Maker Space, One Year In
By on November 1, 2016
This article was published in School Library Journal's November 2016 issue. Subscribe today and save up to 35% off the regular subscription rate.
Hey, I Built a LEGO Wall! Here’s How.
By on September 12, 2016
An elementary school librarian quickly assembled an inexpensive LEGO wall with donated LEGO bricks, crowdsourced advice, and good humor.
String Theory: Projects Merging Math, Art, and Making
By on September 7, 2016
Recipes for large and small-scale geometric string art projects from Todd Burleson, SLJ’s 2016 School Librarian of the Year.
This article was published in School Library Journal's September 2016 issue. Subscribe today and save up to 35% off the regular subscription rate.
Yes, He Can! Todd Burleson, SLJ’s 2016 School Librarian of the Year
By on August 25, 2016
“Please keep robots out of the sawdust” is the kind of phrase heard around the library at Hubbard Woods School in Winnetka, IL, where Todd Burleson can be found leading engineering challenges, inspiring student reporters, and constantly inventing.
This article was published in School Library Journal's September 2016 issue. Subscribe today and save up to 35% off the regular subscription rate.
Trend Alert: Kite-Making Workshops
By on July 25, 2016
We’ve caught wind of a new trend—kite-making workshops taking place in libraries across the country. Here’s what’s up—and away!
Reflections on the National Week of Making
By on July 25, 2016
SLJ’s 2015 School Librarian of the Year shares what her recent time in our nation’s capitol meant to her as a librarian, maker—and granddaughter of immigrants.
Wisconsin District Successfully Appeals for Maker Spaces in Every School Library
By on July 1, 2016
In a time when library funding is in short supply, the availability of a $17,200 grant was something of a rare opportunity for the Wauwatosa, WI school district.
Top Themes and Hot Tickets at ALA and ISTE 2016
By on June 1, 2016
Sessions on maker spaces, leveraging ESSA, and STEM learning are among the highlights of the ALA and ISTE conferences this month.
This article was published in School Library Journal's June 2016 issue. Subscribe today and save up to 35% off the regular subscription rate.
An Open Letter to School Boards Everywhere
By on May 23, 2016
School libraries are popping up that are fully, even lavishly, equipped, save for one thing: a certified school librarian. Here, one New Jersey librarian explains why that can never work. Ever.
SLJ Reviews the littleBits STEAM Student Set
By on May 3, 2016
Want to see your students get excited about science, technology, and art? Tell them you have the design to build a throwing arm. Our review of the littleBits STEAM kit.
Mobile Maker Spaces
By on May 3, 2016
Librarians in a Knoxville, TN school district got a grant to build four maker space carts that rotate among schools. Find out what they bought and why.
Steampunk, SLIME, and Game Design: Lead the Change Fast-Learning Sessions
By on March 31, 2016
Three rapid-fire presentations on steampunk making, organizing a regional maker expo, and digital game design wrapped up our Lead the Change Maker Workshop.
New Dremel 3-D Printer Announced
By on March 31, 2016
Intended to expand classroom opportunities for 3-D printing, the Dremel Idea Builder 3D40 features new software plus WiFi- and USB-enabled capabilities.
Making, With a Rube Goldberg Twist
By on February 29, 2016
Building contraptions inspired by the inventor and cartoonist teaches students about physics, problem-solving, and cause and effect.
Small Tech, Big Impact: Designing My Maker Space
By on February 1, 2016
How one public librarian researched, budgeted, and created the best maker space for her customers over the course of six months.
This article was published in School Library Journal's February 2016 issue. Subscribe today and save up to 35% off the regular subscription rate.
Equal Parts Teen Services and YA Lit at 2015 YALSA Symposium
By on November 13, 2015
Librarian Robin Brenner highlights programs and events at the 2015 YALSA Young Adult Services Symposium, which took place November 6–8 in Portland, OR. This year’s conference widened its purview to include services and programming alongside literature, which was reflected in the theme, “Bringing It All Together: Connecting Libraries, Teens & Communities.”
Team Blanket Making—Intergenerational programming for teens… and adults
By on October 20, 2015
Heather Booth discovers a new way to bring an intergenerational maker program—and benefit the community—to the Thomas Ford Memorial Library in Western Springs, IL.
“Hatch” Library Maker Space in a Mall Draws DIYers, Students, and Entrepreneurs
By on October 2, 2015
No library card is required to use the tools at the Hatch maker space, located near Dunkin’ Donuts in a mall in Watertown, MA, and launched by the Watertown Free Public Library with diverse community funding.
A Librarian’s Guide to OER in the Maker Space
By on October 1, 2015
Open educational resources (OER) are a boon to maker activities, according to library media specialist Laura Fleming, who provides related tips and links to fun, cost-effective projects.
