The New Mexico State Library Makerstate Initiative will be hosting a series of professional development workshops around the state next month! Are you interested in learning how to host a makerspace program or bring new technologies to your public library?
Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSIPD17
This fall the NMSL’s Makerstate Initiative will be transitioning from pop up makerspace programs administered by our staff to pop up makerspace programs administered by you! In order to prepare for this transition we are developing several Makerspace Kits for your library to check out. Before we begin to circulate our new kits we will be hosting a series of professional development workshops to train public library staff on how to organize, promote, administer, and document pop up makerspace programs at their library regularly.
Why Host A Pop Up Makerspace Program?
The NMSL’s Makerstate Initiative has had great success working in communities throughout the state. There is a need for maker programs in New Mexico and public libraries are the ideal community hub to meet that demand. Makerstate Initiative pop up makerspace programs promote libraries as places of discovery and collaboration while increasing digital literacy, teaching technical skills, and engaging children and teens in hands-on experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
Training Process
During each professional development workshop we will work with public library staff to introduce our maker programs and increase comfortability with materials, equipment, curriculum and terminology. Training will be hands-on and will include 3D Printing, Scanning, and Design, Simple Circuitry, Paper Engineering, Electronic Textiles, and Coding. We will review curriculum, tutorials, and resources, as well as discuss maker methods and teaching strategies. We will also work with materials and equipment while learning how to troubleshoot and maintain them. We will discuss the logistics of organizing, promoting, administering, and documenting a pop up makerspace program and closing with a discussion about the adaptability of each activity and community collaboration opportunities.
Professional Development Workshops
Date: Friday, April 7th
Time: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Artesia Public Library
Date: Wednesday, April 12th
Time: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Aztec Public Library
Date: Friday, April 21st
Time: 9 am – 3pm
Location: New Mexico State Library in Santa Fe
Date: Wednesday, April 26th
Time: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Marshall Memorial Library in Deming
All workshops will take place from 9 am – 3 pm with a half hour break for lunch. Please provide your own lunch as one will not be provided for you. Workshops are only open to public library staff.
For more information about this or any other NMSL Makerstate Initiative workshops and trainings, please contact Makerstate Initiative Coordinator, Allie Burnquist at nmmakerstateinitiative@gmail.com or 505-974-8793