Resources
Before we begin, what is a makerspace or a hackerspace?
A hackerspace is a physical location where like-minded people get together in a cooperative environment to pool their knowledge, experience, and physical resources with a goal to bringing into reality the projects about which they’ve been dreaming. The sky is the limit, almost literally: projects range from building hardware to building art, from restoring antique equipment to putting electronic blinking eyes in a crocheted doll. Put simply, members get together at the space to make stuff, to work on personal projects or bigger collaborative ones. (quote from KwartzLab)
Where did they come from?
Respect the Past, Examine the Present, Build the Future by Nick Farr
Hackerspaces – The Beginning (the book)
For a direct historical connection between makers and libraries, check out Mechanics Institutes, the hackerspaces of the Victorian era!
Where can I find out more?
Check out the Hackerspace wiki. You can find ideas on how to create a space, a list of hackerspaces (so you can find hackers and makers to work with near your library!), educational materials, and thoughts on what it means to be a hacker or maker.