Libraries Makerspace contributing to campus creativity

Among the many books, journals, and scientific papers supported by KU Libraries are robot parts, a tiny theater set, fruit fly containment panels, and podcasts on environmental geopolitics — the latest additions to the university’s scholarly outputs thanks to the Libraries’ new Makerspace, a collaborative workspace for making, learning, exploring, and sharing.

Although it debuted last fall, the idea for a makerspace in the libraries has been in the works for several years. Careful consideration has been given to addressing the needs of students and faculty on campus in alignment with the libraries’ mission to inspire discovery and creation of knowledge for all. Other makerspaces exist on campus but are generally restricted by major or class enrollment.

When the Journalism School's Media Crossroads Studio moved from the second floor of Anschutz Library into a renovated Stauffer-Flint Hall in 2020, the vacated library space was an attractive home for the new makerspace due to existing infrastructure. The libraries purchased audio equipment, computers for editing, and a 3D printer as part of the initial offerings. Two more 3D printers were added this spring, joining an assortment of resources aimed at fostering creativity in a welcoming environment for all skill levels, across all disciplines.

“I’m interested in making in the everyday and how we problem solve in our own situations to move forward,” said KU Associate Librarian Tami Albin, who oversees the day-to-day operations. “The Makerspace is a good place to do that because the people in here have a maker-mindset where anything and everything is possible.” 

Early collaborations have been impactful, attracting users and building meaningful relationships across campus. The Makerspace has produced more than 300 3D prints, including the robot parts for mechanical engineering students, an entire set design for a theatre master’s student, and instrumentation to separate fruit flies for a researcher in molecular biology. In February, staff also helped 20 visiting English teachers from Brazil develop and record podcast episodes.

Albin has also partnered with KU environmental studies professor Shannon O’Lear to help students communicate their research through podcasting and publish a class digest in Pressbooks. Albin has since worked with O’Lear to completely redesign the course and the partnership yielded one of two dedicated student workers employed by the Makerspace.

This story first appeared in the summer edition of Bibliophile, KU Libraries' semi-annual publication for alumni, friends, and benefactors.