“Implementing a Culture of Creativity: Engaging Events and Making in the Academic Library
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This paper discusses the significance of interactive making events in academic libraries, emphasizing their role in fostering creativity and community engagement among patrons and staff. The author outlines various successful programs and makerspaces, including woodblock printing and holiday card making, while sharing insights on how to implement low-cost events and evaluate their impact. Overall, the document advocates for creativity and collaboration as essential elements for enhancing library value and educational experiences.
“Implementing a Culture of Creativity: Engaging Events and Making in the Academic Library
- 1. IMPLEMENTING A CULTURE OF CREATIVITY: ENGAGING EVENTS AND MAKING IN THE ACADEMIC LIBRARY MEGAN LOTTS, ART LIBRARIAN RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
- 2. INTRODUCTION • Outreach, Engagement, Making, and Creativity & Innovation in Academic Libraries. • Creativity & Making can stimulate broader conversations among patrons and Library employees about the value of the libraries. • Making spaces can be scholarly, fun, affordable, and a new way to engage w/patrons and connect to communities. • I’m trained as a painter & installation artist and I spent many hours in college working in academic libraries. @MCLotts
- 3. ABSTRACT This paper will explore the importance of engaging events within Academic Libraries that feature an interactive or making aspect. The author will also discuss innovative programming happening in Academic Libraries as well as a brief look at Makerspaces. The author will present five interactive making projects including: Woodblock Woodstock, Holiday Card Maker Space, Edible Books, a Polynomiography event for Rutgers Day, and the Art Library Lego Playing Station. This series of events looks closely at cross-disciplinary collaboration as a means to help coordinate impactful library events. The author will explore how to create low cost making events and how to find sponsors for incentives. Individuals will learn more about marketing and how to partner with those who have common interests. The author will discuss making and critical thinking skills and how these can be applied when teaching patrons about the library. Lastly this paper will look at how to assess and evaluate ephemeral making events. Making events are educational, fun, and also bring a greater value to the creative culture within the library and overall campus. @MCLotts
- 4. HISTORY OF MAKING- HTTP://WWW.AMERICANLIBRARIESMAGAZINE.ORG/ARTICLE/MANUFACTURING-MAKERSPACES • 1873- Gowanda, NY The Gowanda Ladies Social Society formed to quilt, knit, sew, socialist, and talk about books. In 1877, it became the Ladies Library Association, receiving state library charter in 1900 as the Gowanda Free Library. • 1960 Nebraska Library Commission Funded for FY1960 by the Library Services Act of 1956, the Nebraska Library Commission (then known as the Nebraska Public Library Commission) in Lincoln hosted a variety of special activities, including creative arts, that were organized by area groups. • 1976 The tool library The Rebuilding together Central Ohio Tool Library was created by Columbus as the tool-lending library with a federal community development block grant. In March 2009, Rebuilding together central ohio took over operation of the library. • 1979 Merrimack (N.H.) Public Library the newly renovated and expanded Merrimack Public Library opened with a children’s craft room, • 2011 Fayetteville (N>Y>) Free Library Makerspace the first 21st century makerspace opened in the Fayevetteville Free Library. It was the first of its kind in a public library and includes a 3D printer that works in a mobile capacity. @MCLotts
- 5. MAKERSPACES- Editorial Board Thoughts: Libraries as Makerspaces? By Tod Coegrove (U of Nevada) ejournals.bc.edu/ojs/index.php/ital/article/.../3793/pdf • “making as a gateway to deepen engagement in science and engineering but also art and design. Makerspaces share some aspects of the shop class, home economics class, the art of studio and science lab.” Do Makerspaces Add Value to Libraries? By Janet L. Balas http://teamhughmanatee.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/do-makerspaces-add-value-to-libraries.pdf • “Libraries are not just places for quiet study of scholarly materials but they can also be places where the creation of audio or video presentations can take place. In the case of some extremely innovative libraries, they can also be places for making actual physical objects.” @MCLotts
- 6. MAKERSPACES- JOHN BURKE MAKERSPACES: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR LIBRARIANS On December 16th, 2013 John J Burke, Director of Gardner-Harvey Library at Miami University Middletown circulated a report on “Makerspaces and the Participatory Library” • 143 librarian respondents- 51% in public libraries, 36% in academic libraries, 9% in school libraries, 4% chose other, and 0% selected special libraries • Makerspaces relatively new- 46% spaces developed in last year (2013) • Top items found in makerspaces- Computer workstations (67%), 3D printing (46%), Photo editing (46%), Video editing (43%), Computer Program software (39%), Arts & crafts (37%), scanning photos (36%), creating website (34%) @MCLotts
- 7. MAKERSPACES- IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES Making Things in Academic Library by Maura Smale- 2012 http://acrlog.org/2012/10/16/making-things- in-academic-libraries/ • “essentially it’s a place for folks to make things, perhaps writing and illustrating a zine, using the open source Arduino computing platform to program a robot, screen-printing, or creating model houses with a 3D printer. Makerspaces often include tools and equipment that are to expensive or specialized for most people to have in their homes, as well as provide a gathering place for like-minded hobbyists to create and collaborate.” Makerspaces Move into Academic Libraries by Erin Fisher- 2012 http://acrl.ala.org/techconnect/?p=2340 • “Makerspaces emerged around 2005 as an offshoot of the Do-it-Yourself (DIY) movement. A makerspace often includes a 2-D printer, digital media and fabrication software, tools for welding, woodworking, and soldering, traditional arts and craft supplies and other electronics”. • “they provide opportunities for people to learn with their hands” • “The academic landscape is shifting from a traditional teaching culture to a learning culture. A teaching culture consists of an expert transferring knowledge to student, whereas a learning culture utilizes active learning techniques” @MCLotts
- 8. INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING & HAPPENINGS ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN THE US UCSD Claremont College NCSU Claremont College http://www.slideshare.net/charbooth/love-your-library-building-goodwill-from-the-inside-out-and-the-outside-in @MCLotts
- 9. Jigsaw puzzle - Large craft paper taped to wall w/markers - Games- Legos Snowflake making - Wii - Yoga/stress reduction workshops - Food - Therapy dogs Basket of yarn & knitting needles - Displays of children's books - Booktruck with travel snacks - coloring - mini-golf with discarded books - jump ropes - hula hoops graffiti walls - knitting station where students could sit and knit blankets for animals in shelters - origami - GIANT Jenga - GIANT Bananagrams - GIANT spoons GIANT playing cards - GIANT checkers - GIANT Yahtzee On Tuesday Nov. 19th, 2013 Theresa R McDevitt posed a question to ARLIS/NA list-serv, looking for ways to help students using the library distress at finals. Ideally cheap, easy, and non-messy. @MCLotts
- 10. Open 24 hours last week of finals – cookies, soda, & coffee – jigsaw puzzles coloring - legos – cookies- games – therapy dogs – bubble wrap – extended hours arts & crafts – earplugs- bubbles – snacks – candy cart – popcorn machine camping activities – free massages – raffles & prizes – contests- spa night/make your own beauty treatments – care packages – bottles of water On Tuesday Dec. 2, 2014 Virginia Alexander posted to the Library Marketing & Outreach (LMaO) Facebook page “ Hi everyone. Got any big plans for outreach during finals? I always want to do something for the students, but have zero marketing budget. Last year, on suggestion from a librarian, I called a local Krispy Kreme and got some doughnuts donated. The student loved them! Any other suggestions or ideas you have used in the past? @MCLotts
- 11. Therapy Dogs – Candy- Ear Plugs – make cookies for the students- puzzles- lego tables fly paper airplanes off the library mezzanine- snack box- coffee & cocoa- extending library hours 24/7- Book Pong- Movie Night- bagels- cookie decorating- crafts - Holiday card making- Graffiti wall- Coloring pages- Candy cart- free popcorn- laminating book marks & luggage tags- silly putty- snowflake decorating- origami – games - kid books belly dancing instruction- yoga- free chair massages- free pizza- 10 minute dance party hummus bar- free taxis home- photo booth - study playlist on Spotify- knitting supplies microwave & tea kettle available- video games On Tuesday Nov. 18th, 2014 Kathryn Greer posed a question to collib-l@lists.ala.org “l am wondering what other libraries do during finals week. What does your library offer during finals? What special services do you provide students during this stressful time ? Free coffee, games, puppies!, etc? @MCLotts
- 12. MAKING EVENTS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES Pumpkin Decorating- Rutgers Make your own bookmark- Carl Sandburg College Confess your Stress- selfies as therapy Photo Booth- Virginia Tech DIY Photo Booth w/props - UCSD My Hunt Library- NCSU Food Exploration- Mt Holyoke Re Book- Claremont College Making buttons- Claremont College Snowflake making- Rutgers Box making- Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale Edible Books Festivals- many libraries Art Library Lego Playing Station- Rutgers @MCLotts
- 13. COORDINATING MAKING EVENTS & SPACES WoodBlock Woodstock Holiday card making space Edible books Polynomiography Art Library Lego Playing Station @MCLotts
- 14. WOODBLOCK WOODSTOCK SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (SIUC) • Woodblock Woodstock is a celebration of wood block printing, Morris • Library Special Collections, and the SIUC Printmaking program. Throughout the month of April Morris Library will host a series of events sponsored by: • The Friends of Morris Library and SIUC’s School of Art & Design (SOAD). @MCLotts
- 15. WOODBLOCK WOODSTOCK SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (SIUC) • Bringing Light Out of Darkness: A History of Woodblock Printing • Backward Thinking: Reflections on Printmaking a talk by Travis Janssen, Sang Eun Lee, & Erich Neitzke • Backhanded Compliments- Works by SIUC Printmaking Students • Drive By Press @MCLotts
- 16. WOODBLOCK WOODSTOCK SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (SIUC) Bringing Light Out of Darkness: A History of Woodblock Printing @MCLotts
- 17. WOODBLOCK WOODSTOCK SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (SIUC) Backhanded Compliments- Works by SIUC Printmaking Students @MCLotts
- 18. WOODBLOCK WOODSTOCK SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (SIUC) Jason Wonnell - The Outer Plains of Discordia Sang Eun - Lee Self Portrait Backhanded Compliments- Works by SIUC Printmaking Students @MCLotts
- 19. WOODBLOCK WOODSTOCK SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (SIUC) Drive By Press @MCLotts
- 20. WOODBLOCK WOODSTOCK SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (SIUC) Drive By Press @MCLotts
- 21. WOODBLOCK WOODSTOCK SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (SIUC) • Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration • Fiscal sponsors- Friends of Morris Library, SOAD, & Morris Library • Outreach & Marketing- free publicity via campus media and sponsors • Got the studio artists into the Library • Engaged the Artist community and ALL of the SIUC community • Article written by Lotts- https://www.academia.edu/2502796/Woodblock_Woodstock_the_Drive_By_Press_at_Morris_Library @MCLotts
- 22. HOLIDAY CARD MAKER SPACE ALEXANDER LIBRARY- RUTGERS @MCLotts
- 23. HOLIDAY CARD MAKER SPACE KILMER LIBRARY- RUTGERS @MCLotts
- 24. HOLIDAY CARD MAKER SPACE KILMER & ALEXANDER LIBRARY- RUTGERS • All material to make was donated by RUL faculty & staff • AUL of reference & instruction donated stamps & cookies • RUL Administrative staff made coffee with in house supplies • RUL volunteers made cards and engaged with participants @MCLotts
- 25. EDIBLE BOOKS SIUC & RUTGERS @MCLotts
- 26. EDIBLE BOOKS SIUC & RUTGERS • Founded in 1999 by Beatrice Coron & Judith Hoffberg • Categories: Puniest, Most Edible, Least Edible, Public Choice, Best Book Structure, & Best in Show • Guest Judges & Cross Disciplinary Collaboration • Sponsors & Prizes • Cookies and coffee for everyone @MCLotts
- 27. EDIBLE BOOKS SIUC & RUTGERS @MCLotts
- 28. EDIBLE BOOKS SIUC & RUTGERS @MCLotts
- 29. EDIBLE BOOKS SIUC & RUTGERS @MCLotts
- 31. POLYNOMIOGRAPHY LIBRARY OF SCIENCE & MEDICINE (LSM)- RUTGERS @MCLotts
- 32. POLYNOMIOGRAPHY ART LIBRARY & LIBRARY OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE- RUTGERS • Cross-Disciplinary collaboration w/ Bahman Kalantari • Used RUL laptops & computers • Software created by Bahman Kalatari • Student Volunteers (RUL & Dept of Computer Science) • Engaged individuals of all ages (engaged over 450 patrons) • No fiscal cost • Art Library Intern curated an exhibit titled Natural Beauty: Art in Math and Science with a case featuring Kalantari @MCLotts
- 33. ART LIBRARY LEGO PLAYING STATION • Installed in August 2014 • Used existing table in Art Library • Created signage • All Legos were upcycled for project • Kerri Sullivan, RU SCI graduate student and Art Library summer intern 2014, assisted with publicity, set up, and making. @MCLotts
- 34. PRESS Check out Rutgers Today https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZHhlwoy9Yc @MCLotts
- 35. PRESS @MCLotts
- 36. BLOCK PARTY Scarlet Knight Days, models created by library faculty, library staff, graduate students, and undergrads @MCLotts
- 38. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE EDA COURSE • Way to connect with Landscape Architecture Freshman. • Gets Landscape Architecture students into the Art Library which is on a different campus than their studios. • Working with Faculty, Students, and Staff in Landscape Architecture helps me better understand the needs of their department. • ACRL paper- http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3C53NJD @MCLotts
- 39. SAS HONORS COLLOQUIUM SECTION 10 • “Thank you so much! My partner and I were playing with the legos for at least two hours. I even snapchatted my lego model to all my friends.” @MCLotts
- 40. @MCLotts
- 41. CREATE YOUR IDEAL LIBRARY CONTEST @MCLotts
- 42. LEGO WORKSHOPS RUL FACULTY & STAFF • Team building & learning hands on • Creative thinking about library resources & spaces @MCLotts
- 43. ACADEMIC COACHES RUTGERS LEARNING CENTERS • In January 2015, team building lego workshop with 6 Academic Coaches for a Lego workshop including an introduction to the library & Info Literacy skills @MCLotts
- 44. COMMENTS @MCLotts Comments from collection box between Aug. 12th, 2014- Jan. 12th, 2015
- 45. CROWDSOURCED IMAGES • Crowdsourcing of images has primarily been images taken of table on daily basis. • Most people were more than happy to allow me to take their picture. • Maybe I should be using another medium of social networking? @MCLotts
- 46. ART LIBRARY LEGO PLAYING STATION @MCLotts
- 47. ART LIBRARY LEGO PLAYING STATION @MCLotts
- 48. ART LIBRARY LEGO PLAYING STATION @MCLotts
- 49. ART LIBRARY LEGO PLAYING STATION @MCLotts
- 50. ART LIBRARY LEGO PLAYING STATION
- 51. ART LIBRARY LEGO PLAYING STATION @MCLotts
- 52. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN… WHY IS OUTREACH, ENGAGEMENT, & CREATIVITY IMPORTANT • We are more likely to learn or come back when we are having FUN! • Creativity, making, & engagement helps build critical thinking skills & these are skills that are applicable to library research. • Creativity, making, and engagement creates community. • Making with others can be inspiring. • All people have a voice & want to be heard. • There’s a lots of ways to make or create scholarship. @MCLotts
- 53. ASSESSMENT • Documentation- Analyze the images • Surveys- looking at the language • How many new followers are joining the FB page • What are individuals liking on the FB page • Head counts • How many reference questions • Observation & stories @MCLotts
- 54. HOW CAN YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN.. • You don’t need a lot of money to create making projects or to engage with patrons. • Cross-disciplinary collaboration is good. • Marketing & Outreach. • You can’t do it alone. • Incentives can help. @MCLotts
- 55. THANKS & QUESTIONS? Megan Lotts, MFA, M.L.I.S Art Librarian Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey (848)932-7189 megan.lotts@rutgers.edu www.meganlotts.com link to work in RUcore http://soar.libraries.rutgers.edu/bib/Megan_Lotts/ Link to papers- Academia.edu https://rci- rutgers.academia.edu/MeganLotts Like the Rutgers Art Library facebook page at www.facebook.com/rutgersartlibrary @MCLotts