Developing Library Maker Spaces And Digital Labs Training Course

Introduction

Empower your library to become a hub of creativity, innovation, and digital literacy with our comprehensive Developing Library Maker Spaces and Digital Labs Training Course. This program equips library professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills to plan, design, implement, and manage dynamic maker spaces and digital labs that foster hands-on learning, technological exploration, and community engagement. Mastering the development of maker spaces and digital labs is increasingly vital for libraries seeking to remain relevant, attract new users, and provide access to cutting-edge technologies and learning experiences. Our library maker space training course offers in-depth guidance and actionable strategies for creating vibrant and sustainable spaces.

This Developing Library Maker Spaces and Digital Labs training delves into key areas such as the maker movement and its relevance to libraries, planning and designing effective learning spaces, selecting appropriate technologies and equipment, developing engaging programs and workshops, managing maker space operations and resources, fostering community partnerships, and evaluating the impact of maker spaces. You will gain expertise in creating inclusive and accessible spaces, facilitating hands-on learning experiences, and empowering your community to explore, create, and innovate. Whether you are a library administrator, programmer, or any library staff member passionate about fostering creativity and innovation, this Developing Library Maker Spaces and Digital Labs course will provide you with the tools and knowledge to transform your library.

Target Audience:

• Library Administrators
• Library Programmers
• Technology Librarians
• Community Outreach Librarians
• Academic Librarians
• Public Librarians
• Library Staff involved in innovation

Course Objectives:

• Understand the maker movement and its relevance to libraries.
• Learn to plan and design effective maker spaces and digital labs.
• Select appropriate technologies and equipment for maker spaces.
• Develop engaging programs and workshops for diverse users.
• Manage maker space operations and resources effectively.
• Foster community partnerships to support maker space initiatives.
• Evaluate the impact of maker spaces on library users and the community.

DURATION

5 Days

Course Content:

Module 1: The Maker Movement and Libraries

• Understanding the maker movement and its relevance to libraries.
• Exploring the history and philosophy of the maker movement.
• Identifying the benefits of maker spaces in libraries.
• Understanding the role of libraries in fostering creativity and innovation.
• Best practices for aligning maker space goals with library mission.

Module 2: Planning and Designing Maker Spaces

• Learning to plan and design effective maker spaces and digital labs.
• Assessing community needs and interests.
• Determining space requirements and layout considerations.
• Designing for accessibility, safety, and flexibility.
• Best practices for creating a welcoming and functional maker space.

Module 3: Selecting Technologies and Equipment

• Selecting appropriate technologies and equipment for maker spaces.
• Exploring a range of tools, from traditional to high-tech.
• Evaluating equipment costs, maintenance, and training needs.
• Prioritizing tools that support diverse learning styles.
• Best practices for choosing and managing maker space technology.

Module 4: Developing Programs and Workshops

• Developing engaging programs and workshops for diverse users.
• Designing hands-on activities that promote learning and creativity.
• Facilitating workshops on various maker skills and technologies.
• Creating programs for different age groups and skill levels.
• Best practices for developing and delivering successful maker space programs.

Module 5: Managing Maker Space Operations

• Managing maker space operations and resources effectively.
• Establishing policies and procedures for space usage and safety.
• Managing equipment maintenance, inventory, and supplies.
• Recruiting, training, and supervising staff and volunteers.
• Best practices for efficient and sustainable maker space operations.

Module 6: Fostering Community Partnerships

• Fostering community partnerships to support maker space initiatives.
• Identifying potential partners (schools, businesses, organizations).
• Collaborating on programs, events, and resource sharing.
• Building relationships with local makers and experts.
• Best practices for developing and sustaining community collaborations.

Module 7: Evaluating Maker Space Impact

• Evaluating the impact of maker spaces on library users and the community.
• Developing methods for assessing program effectiveness.
• Measuring user engagement, learning outcomes, and community benefits.
• Collecting data to demonstrate the value of the maker space.
• Best practices for ongoing evaluation and improvement of maker space initiatives.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.