Duluth Maker Space members demonstrate a Spinograph machine that creates precise patterns for use in artwork and machinery. (Duluth Maker Space website)
This is a follow-up on my Oct. 11 column “Thinkers, tinkers, and 3-D printers,” which explores 3-D printing and efforts to support local innovation and ideas in Iron Range economic development.
After that piece went to print, I learned more about how maker spaces are becoming the vogue.
For one thing, I was not aware that Duluth, Minnesota, already had an active maker space. The Duluth Maker Space holds regular classes and, like the Twin Cities Maker Space, lets members use equipment and workspace in exchange for modest dues.
These maker spaces seem to do best when they meet specific user functions. In other words, the users dictate the focus of the space. So a good question would be, what kinds of space and equipment would people want in say, Hibbing, Virginia, Ely or Grand Rapids?
I was also fascinated to find several articles describing a trend toward maker spaces in public libraries.
Libraries are generally large because, historically, they’ve needed lots of space to fit all those books and periodicals. As more books become digitized, and periodicals go entirely online, local libraries really only need to archive unique or rare local books and collections. Around the world, additional space and resources in public libraries are being dedicated to maker spaces.
A Minnesota example was shared in the Oct. 9 edition of the Star Tribune, describing how Dakota County libraries are incorporating the spaces into future plans.
It’s not just 3-D printers and a tinkers’ playground. These maker spaces are dedicated to providing all forms of creative equipment to populations that could not otherwise afford them. Audio recording studios and editing software, video equipment, drafting programs, visual design — all of these fit the bill.
Right now a lot of the programming is aimed at youth, teens in particular, but Dakota County plans to give maker space and programming to everyone.
No, this isn’t an economic catch-all, but it’s a remarkable idea for improving the quality of life and upward mobility of for populations of places like the Iron Range.
My original column on this topic may be found here.
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