Creativity, curiosity and collaboration are all words that come to mind for Jordan Green when she thinks of her workplace.
Green, the science and technology librarian at Kenan Science Library, is in charge of the on-site makerspace housed on the first floor of Venable Hall. Along with other colleagues, Green also helped to revamp the Makerspace following pandemic restrictions.
Makerspaces are not only a physical space for creative projects, Green said, but they are also a support system for students with creative tools and expertise. Makerspaces have become increasingly popular in libraries over the years for both educational and recreational purposes.
There are multiple makerspaces around campus, including locations at Murray Hall, Hanes Art Center, and Carmichael Hall. The KSL Makerspace works in collaboration with the Be A Maker (BeAM) Network, an on-campus organization that encourages students to tap into their creative side as “makers.”
This semester, the space is also hosting staff-led workshops coined “Crafting Tuesdays.” The workshops include various activities, skills and crafts, ranging from bookbinding to 3D printing.
Jane Antonas, a sophomore and student assistant at KSL, said many students are unaware of makerspace resources. She said this lack of knowledge is what inspired KSL employees to hold more structured events.
The launch of the KSL Seed Library last March was the first of these types of events, said Therese Triumph, the head of science academic and research engagement at KSL. The Seed Library is a collection of seeds housed at KSL that students can use in their gardens.
The goal of the Seed Library is to educate people on gardening and plants, while also maintaining a continuous cycle of seeds. Returning users of the library are encouraged to bring back harvested seeds to contribute to this community resource.
Triumph said the workshops at the KSL – and other libraries on campus – are meant to reflect each library's individual focus.
