Libraries are the catalysts for building strong communities. Whether you call it a place, platform or programming, this workshop will help libraries rethink public spaces while collaborating with local partners. Learn how to do an analysis of community resources, how to find the best contacts and how to propose partnerships that strengthen patron relationships and attract new users.

Schedule

9:00 - 9:30 a.m.    
Registration and Coffee

9:30 - 9:45 a.m.    
Welcome

9:45 - 11:00 a.m.   
Studio 304: a new kind of outreach
Using their 2010-2014 plan as a deadline, SJCPL was able to realize their goal of creating a community creation space through Studio 304. Marianne will discuss the whys, hows and outcomes of transforming a needed, but seldom visited department into a thriving digital media lab.
Marianne Kruppa, St. Joseph County Public Library

11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  
Make It @ Your Library:  Creating a Makerspace on Shoestring
Does your library want to join the makerspace party but you aren't sure how to start? Do you have no makers on staff and are afraid your makerspace won't be credible? Or maybe you have a plan but no money. Find out how the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) in East Lansing MI opened two makerspaces in the fall of 2014 with about four months lead time and a budget comprised entirely of donations from the community. Kristin Shelley, Director of the East Lansing Public Library and Lauren Douglass, Head of Technology Services at ELPL, will discuss how to engage the community; get the money flowing; mobilize and excite staff; open a space; and keep it full of excited and engaged makers of all ages.
Kristin Shelley, East Lansing Public Library; Lauren Douglass, East Lansing Public Library

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.   
Lunch

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.    
Place, Data, and Applications:  Assessing Space Usage at Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University’s new Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons was designed to be a student-centered, flexible space where students can manage their own learning.  Presenters will provide a discussion of the design of spaces in the building, including selection of furniture, how we assess use of the space, our partnership with Steelcase design, and what we’ve learned about designing collaborative spaces in a library environment.
Kristin Meyer, Grand Valley State University; Kyle Felker, Grand Valley State University

2:15 - 3:30 p.m.    
Makerspace Petting Zoo
This is the chance to interact with various maker tools and discuss their use, cost and benefit to the community.

3:30 p.m.                       
​Wrap Up

Registration Rates

Early Bird Registration Deadline: April 24, 2015

*subject to space limitations

In order to qualify for member rates, attendees must hold current individual MLA membership. Organizational membership does not apply. For more information about MLA individual and organizational membership, please visit Membership Value and Benefits.