Libraries are different things to diverse populations. For some, the library is a place for study or research. For others, it’s a community hub, a social meeting place. Increasingly, with the addition of multifunctional, interactive creative spaces where people gather to build, experiment, and innovate, the library as an idea incubator is coming into its own. Whether they host programming code camps or provide arts and crafts or fabrication tools, Hacker spaces, Fab Labs, and Maker spaces are examples of ways that both public and academic libraries in the United States and Europe are finding new ways to engage with users. Maker space advocates Willingham and De Boer provide a brief overview and history of Maker spaces in libraries before launching into a well-written practical guide to these innovation centers. Case studies, equipment, project and event ideas, tips and tricks for getting started, funding, policies and procedures, and recommended further reading are all included. Verdict: recommended for librarians, administrators, and staff considering a foray into Maker spaces.

Library Journal

I enthusiastically recommend the Library Technology Essentials series. Many libraries will want to invest in the entire set as a professional development resource since they will inevitably face some degree of involvement with each of the volume topics. Library technologists will want one of these books at their side as they launch new projects or initiatives. Ellyssa Kroski has shepherded a collection that makes an important contribution to the professional practice of library technology.

Marshall Breeding, Independent Consultant, Speaker, and Author; editor Library Technology Guide editor, Computers in Libraries columnist, and Smart Libraries Newsletter editor