Benefits of Libraries: Makerspaces

for the Community

Presented by Ruby Grace C. Galvez, RL – Librarian, Alfredo F. Tadiar Library

SUMMARY

A makerspace increases the value of a library as a community resource. It provides a

place for professionals to pursue their hobbies after their work hours and to explore
their creativity in close proximity to books and other resources that inspire and
provoke thought. In this presentation, I describe two specific makerspace activities that
we successfully organized in the Alfredo F. Tadiar Library, namely, indie film showing
and writing workshop.
INTRODUCTION
Traditionally, libraries are repositories of books and quiet places of reading. Modern
libraries, however, have features that allow them to serve as community resources that
function as hubs where people can discuss ideas and plan projects over coffee and
snacks. Makerspace events allow users to maximize the library as a community
resource, as well as promote the library collection.

HOW TO CREATE LIBRARY MAKERSPACES?

The formula we use to create a library makerspace is as follows:

Theme + Collaboration + Resource/Venue Support = Makerspace success!

Theme

 The theme allows the library and its collaborators to link the activity’s theme
with purpose and nature of the library.
 The subject matter of the project guides the organization of the program, from
choosing the sponsors to qualifying the speakers/lecturers to inviting
participants.
Collaboration

 Proper communication between participants will identify potential pitfalls and

problems early.
  The special library and a collaborating organization shares the legwork,
including setting up the library space before and after the activity, finding
sponsors, and coming up with promotional materials.

Resource/Venue Support

 The library adjusts its operations accordingly depending on the demands of the
event, e.g., extension of opening hours when the film showing is done at night,
opening the library during weekends to accommodate writing workshops.

MAKERSPACE EVENTS IN THE ALFREDO F. TADIAR LIBRARY

(a library featuring the culture of Northern Philippines)
1. Makerspace Activity: Indie Film Showing (e.g., Ang Babae sa Likod ng
Mambabatok)

Theme: Traditional tattoo art and artists in Northern Philippines

Collaborating Organization: PelicuLA UNION
Venue Support: Opening hours extended until 10 PM
Resources promoted/featured/linked to the event:
 Wages of Cinema: Film in Philippine Perspective by Joel David
 Tapping Ink, Tattooing Identities: Tradition and Modernity in
Contemporary Kalinga Society North Luzon, Philippines by Analyn
Salvador-Amores and J. Neil Garcia
 Litographic prints featuring traditional clothing of colonial Filipinos

2. Makerspace Activity: Writing workshop (“Biag Dagiti Agay-aywan” – Life of

Caregivers)

Theme: Life stories of Ilokano nurses and caregivers

Collaborating Organization:
 Gantala Press
 Lorma Colleges and Hospital
Venue Support:
 Open during Sunday and Monday
 Use of art gallery
Resources promoted/featured/linked to the event:
 Various excerpts and short stories from literary sources
(in a workshop kit)
 Empire of Care by Catherine Ceniza Choi