A few weeks ago, the Dude took an in depth look at creative confidence (
part 1) in relation to library staff interactions. This week, the Dude hopes to illustrate how library programs can facilitate this sense of collective creativity among those using the library. Which brings the Dude to another point, what do we call these people? Patrons? (sounds like Betty Draper) Library users? (OK by me, but some say this sounds too much like a drug user or user, and therefore carries negative connotations) Customer? (they don’t really buy things) Library member? (isn’t everyone a member?) Library supporter? (too much like athletic supporter) Reader? (what if they just consume media, hang out, use the Wi-Fi, or check out audio or talking books?) Client? (sounds either too clinical or X-rated) Visitor? Maybe. OK… let’s go with visitor until something better comes along, even though it fails to address the issue of a “virtual visitor”, you know, with e-books, downloads, databases, and such things. If you have suggestions, e-mail or call me. The lack of consensus and uniformity is perplexing to me but it’s time to move on.
The notion surrounding building creative confidence for library visitors I think centers on building empathy among users, and providing the tools and space for those visitors to work collaboratively so that those relationships have the ability to develop. The library sponsored makerspace has the potential to facilitate both of these things. Most of us have heard of makerspaces, and libraries providing them, but before we delve further into this idea, let’s take a step back and look at what makerspaces are and how they can promote this sort of creativity in the community. According to a
2013 report from Michigan State University, makerspaces are “places where like-minded persons gather to work on personal projects, share tools and expertise as well as learn from each other.” Most of us think of 3D printers when we hear makerspace, but I think the idea transcends just that one tool. There really are a wide variety of things and subjects that can are offered, including (but definitely not limited to) music recording equipment, instruments, sewing machines, crafts, robotics, construction projects, hacking, jewelry, and many others. With such a diverse range of potential offerings, perhaps the best route to take is to talk to your library visitors to determine what interests are out there and to use those resources and skills that already exist. Take advantage of the knowledge and experiences in your community. Many persons with special skills are more than willing to share and exchange ideas. It builds communities and feeds souls. It has the potential to bring like-minded people together and develop lifelong friendships.
Jerry Jodloski adequately sums this up: “(It’s) a cooperative, open-source philosophy that helps empower individuals for the greater benefit of the community.” Sounds good to me. Shaka.
A few weeks ago, the Dude took an in depth look at creative confidence (part 1) in relation to library staff interactions. This week, the Dude hopes to illustrate how library programs can facilitate this sense of collective creativity among those using the library. Which brings the Dude to another point, what do we call these people? Patrons? (sounds like Betty Draper) Library users? (OK by me, but some say this sounds too much like a drug user or user, and therefore carries negative connotations) Customer? (they don’t really buy things) Library member? (isn’t everyone a member?) Library supporter? (too much like athletic supporter) Reader? (what if they just consume media, hang out, use the Wi-Fi, or check out audio or talking books?) Client? (sounds either too clinical or X-rated) Visitor? Maybe. OK… let’s go with visitor until something better comes along, even though it fails to address the issue of a “virtual visitor”, you know, with e-books, downloads, databases, and such things. If you have suggestions, e-mail or call me. The lack of consensus and uniformity is perplexing to me but it’s time to move on.
The notion surrounding building creative confidence for library visitors I think centers on building empathy among users, and providing the tools and space for those visitors to work collaboratively so that those relationships have the ability to develop. The library sponsored makerspace has the potential to facilitate both of these things. Most of us have heard of makerspaces, and libraries providing them, but before we delve further into this idea, let’s take a step back and look at what makerspaces are and how they can promote this sort of creativity in the community. According to a 2013 report from Michigan State University, makerspaces are “places where like-minded persons gather to work on personal projects, share tools and expertise as well as learn from each other.” Most of us think of 3D printers when we hear makerspace, but I think the idea transcends just that one tool. There really are a wide variety of things and subjects that can are offered, including (but definitely not limited to) music recording equipment, instruments, sewing machines, crafts, robotics, construction projects, hacking, jewelry, and many others. With such a diverse range of potential offerings, perhaps the best route to take is to talk to your library visitors to determine what interests are out there and to use those resources and skills that already exist. Take advantage of the knowledge and experiences in your community. Many persons with special skills are more than willing to share and exchange ideas. It builds communities and feeds souls. It has the potential to bring like-minded people together and develop lifelong friendships. Jerry Jodloski adequately sums this up: “(It’s) a cooperative, open-source philosophy that helps empower individuals for the greater benefit of the community.” Sounds good to me. Shaka. 
