Two Makerspace fans discuss the origins of the movement and the St. George Library Makerspace

Description

Recording September 18, 2018 – With two enthusiastic fans of the Makerspace movement, the St. George Library is fortunate to have just the right circumstances for the Washington County Library System to add its second and larger Makerspace to the organization. Paul Hill, Utah State University extension associate professor, and Joseph Larson, WCLS Makerspace supervisor and YouTuber, came together at the library to discuss the new addition to St. George, Utah.
Paul enjoyed making things out of cardboard and hot glue as a young person and naturally gravitated to the Maker Camps. 4-H Maker Camps are for anyone who makes things such as crafts, electronics, or art. Joe’s father purchased early computers and Joe was interested in the artistic direction of 3-D animation and then decided the software part of using computers to replicate creations interested him. This led him to 3-D printers and designing objects he could print.
Paul and Joe said the impetus of a library focusing on a Makerspace, rather than a business, is a good fit.
What is a Makerspace? They explained that it is a community space for innovators of all ages, although children need to be accompanied by an adult. Library staff cleaned out a large supply room in the basement of the library and the space was adapted to house equipment to create. The Sid Atkins Makerspace was opened with many resources: laser cutters, wood cutters, 3-D printers, sewing machines, a computer numerical control (CNC) machine and a soldering station. It looks like most dads’ garages with power tools and various tools hanging on the walls. Safety training is also provided and required before use on the machines.
Paul educates participants with a “Learn by doing, inquiry based learning,” followed by a reflection of “what will you do next time?” approach. Joe promotes safety, does little teaching and encourages patrons to just “try it.”

Participants

• Paul Hill
  
• Joseph Larson
  
• Julie Walton
  
• washcoarchive
  

Interview By

• washcoarchive