Making Spaces for STEM in the School Library

Despite the high demand of careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, the extent and access to focused K-12 STEM education varies across the country. K-12 school libraries with their democratization of resources including both high- and low−/no- tech equipment can fill gaps by implementing makerspaces in the school library to provide and promote STEM learning and inquiry. This paper explores the use of K-12 school library makerspaces for the purpose of implementing design learning as a way to integrate these subject areas and provide hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students through making. Librarians facilitate such initiatives and collaborate with content area teachers to meet students’ needs for STEM.