Project Overview | National Library Makerspace Forum

Program Goals

1. Facilitate systematic coordination and collaboration among various maker groups and leaders to align efforts toward shared goals of fostering sustainability and growth in the area of library makerspaces

2. Reflect on, synthesize, and leverage accumulated knowledge and expertise in library makerspaces

3. Chart the future direction of library makerspaces and identify necessary resources and opportunities.

Project Activities

Join us for this series of in person and virtual conversations and activities in 2025. Together, we will facilitate coordination among maker groups and leaders in libraries, reflect on the progress of library makerspaces, and chart a path for their continued growth.

Working Group Meetings, bringing together the ALA Core Maker Technology Interest Group, Nation of Makers Library Interest Group, Library Makers, and makerspace researchers and educators
Library Makerspaces Research Showcase
National Forum Listening Sessions (live or via our asynchronous platform)
Draft report available for feedback
National Forum at 2025 ALA Annual Conference
Sharing finalized report

Figure 1. Project Activities and Results

Figure 1 is a diagram of project activities including listening sessions; makerspace research showcase; working group meetings; presentations and conversations with professionals, researchers, and educators; and input from other community members interested in library makerspaces. Includes a diagram of the white paper draft, national forum and pop-up maker booth at ALA, and the subsequent white paper website to be created as a result of these activities.

Table 1. Mapping the Goals, Questions, Timelines, Project Activities, and Anticipated Results

Guiding questions (Goals)	Timelines	Activities	Results
How might we coordinate the efforts and strengths of maker groups to achieve shared objectives? (Goal 1)	Sep 2024, Nov 2024, Jan 2025, May 2025, Aug 2025, Oct 2025	Working Group Meetings	(1) Systemic coordination of efforts among the maker groups (documented strategies and coordinations)
How might we enhance the synergy between research, practice, and theory in library makerspaces? (Goal 2)	February 2025. Online	Makerspace Research-Practice-Theory Symposium	(1) Review and synthesis of current knowledge (2) Recommendations for application and the facilitation of the research-practice-theory cycle
What are top key priorities of library makerspaces in the U.S. for the next 10 years, and what resources and opportunities do we need? (Goal 3)	March 2025	National Forum Listening Sessions	(1) Inputs and suggestions obtained by participants (2) Draft culminating white paper
	June 2025	National Forum at ALA	The cumulative result of the forums–in a form of white paper and a website [additional product formats will be determined such as infographic, article, presentation, and more]

For more information about the National Forum project, please see the full proposal narrative.