In an increasingly digital world, space previously used to display and house print and physical items is not needed in the way that it once was. Likewise, the literacy skills needed by our customers to succeed in a technology-infused, changing world are not the same as they were ten or even five years ago. Public service staff members are not always equipped to train customers in advanced new technologies. In this challenge we found opportunities for success. We are not alone in creating a space for “making.” What sets our organization apart is our innovative and strategic approach. We changed the way we manage our internal human resources and utilized the full spectrum of staff knowledge and skills without being constrained by traditional organizational boundaries.

Our MakerSpace grew out of a partnership between the Technology Operations and Service Operations staff. Collaborating from the beginning of the planning phase, these two divisions created a shared vision which was presented to and embraced by top administrators. The implementation of this vision was charged to a cross-divisional team of staff members who served as ambassadors throughout the organization for this transformational shift. An internal blog was utilized to keep our 800-person organization appraised of progress. Videos of each team member discussing elements of the planning were presented and offered all staff a wide perspective on the coming transformational department.

As expected, the community responded positively to the library creating our state of the art MakerSpace. We were invited to community maker events, including TEDxCincinnati at which we were featured as part of “Innovation Alley.” The use of the MakerSpace since opening in late January further demonstrates the wide enthusiasm of the community. More than 3,700 customers have made reservations for the equipment. An unexpected result has been the response from staff. Staff members have gravitated to this area to learn new skills and produce products for their work within the organization. Collaborative technology programs centered on the MakerSpace that will infuse the Summer Learning Program with a distinct STEM focus have taken shape.