IMPORTANT!!!
The Library Innovation Studios Grant-funded project concluded in 2022. However, those who are looking to develop or expand a library or community makerspace may find the historical information, templates, and current resources helpful to their efforts.
If you have any questions, please contact JoAnn McManus.
The Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities project used makerspaces, hosted by 35 rural and small libraries
to support participatory learning experiences by providing access to technological and innovative learning tools not readily
accessible locally. The project achieved success in stimulating creativity, innovation, and the exchange of ideas to facilitate
entrepreneurship, skill development, and learning. Makers reported making and selling products, starting businesses, purchasing
equipment, and gaining skills.
The Nebraska Library Commission used a $715,732 National Leadership Grant awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
(IMLS) to carry out the project. The project began July 1, 2017 and concluded March 31, 2022.
In total 2,709 individuals/makers were certified to operate equipment at the Library Innovation Studios. On average, each individual
was certified on 2.9 machines—for a total of 7,797 certifications. An average 77 unique individuals were trained at each host
library (an average of 223 machine certifications).
Nearly all the libraries have purchased makerspace equipment and many have impressive makerspaces today. Over 320 pieces of equipment
were acquired by the 35 host libraries—an average of 9 devices each. The estimated equipment value is over $450,000. Nearly all
35 libraries reported that the process helped them to develop local partners, brought new people to the library, and paved the way
for the majority of host libraries to establish a permanent makerspace.
The Activities of the Multi-Faceted Project included:
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Establish local Community Action Teams in 35
rural and small communities;
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Purchase equipment and related materials for
four rotating Innovation Studios hosted by libraries for 20 weeks each;
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Develop instructional materials and user
equipment certification processes;
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Employ sustainability strategies for permanent
studios;
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Provide training on the use of the equipment,
focusing on Train-the-Trainer strategies;
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Certify “makers” on the use of studio
makerspace equipment at the host libraries;
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Assist with local marketing efforts and
programming/events, including open houses and maker showcases;
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Host statewide annual makers’ showcases;
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Conduct a 2022 Nebraska Makerspace Conference;
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Conduct an outcome-based evaluation of the
project; and
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Disseminate information to enable national
replication.
THESE THREE GOALS GUIDED THE PROJECT:
- Rural community residents will be empowered with the tools and guidance to explore, collaborate, create, learn, and invent;
- Libraries will transform their rural communities through participatory learning spaces, while establishing themselves as
strong community catalysts for community change; and
- Libraries (and communities) nationwide will have access to a replicable model.
JoAnn McManus,
Library Innovation Studios Project Manager, Nebraska Library Commission, 1200 N
Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508-2023, 402-471-4870, 800-307-2665
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [grant #LG-95-17-0046-17].