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G2S Project Code: 2018-MA-81538
State: Massachusetts
Fiscal Year: 2018
Grantee
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

Project Director
Director Name: Lyndsay Forbes
Director Phone: 617-725-1860 ext. 252
Director Email: lyndsay.forbes@mass.gov
General Information
Title: IdeaLab
State Project Code: 19.08.01-04
Start Date: 10/01/2018
End Date: 09/30/2019
Abstract: This project allowed libraries to establish a makerspace in order to provide access to tools and materials for DIY and other creative projects. Libraries offered a wide range of creative opportunities - some quite technical while others were more arts and crafts focused. Participating libraries included Cambridge Public Library, Griswold Memorial Library (Colrain), Hubbard Memorial Library (Ludlow), and Snow Library (Orleans).
State Goal: Lifelong Learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$51,000.00
$0.00
$102,383.92
$153,383.92
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Fairy House Making workshop
Narrative: This program was led by local artist Emilie Miller. Participants learned how to create detailed miniature scenes out of natural materials such as bark, twigs, shells, acorns, stones, moss, and dried flowers. 
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 180
Number of sessions in program: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 12
Number of times program administered: 2


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: SNOW LIBRARY
Address: 67 MAIN ST.
City: ORLEANS
State: MA
Zip: 02653
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Mushroom Walk and Demonstration
Narrative: Local mushroom expert Paul Lagreze gave a demonstration and led a mushroom walk on Colrain land. There was such interest from this activity that a mushroom club is starting at the Library.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 120
Number of presentations/performances administered: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 15


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: GRISWOLD MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 14 MAIN RD.
City: COLRAIN
State: MA
Zip: 01340
Activity Details
Title: CCTV Workshops
Narrative: Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) offered a series of workshops on various technology and software. Topics included Intro to Macs, Photoshop Premiere Primer, Video Editing Concepts, Fundamentals of Cell Phone Photography, Telling Your Family's Story through Photo Essay, and Interview Techniques to Tell Your Family's Story.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 7
Average number in attendance per session: 17
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: CAMBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 449 BROADWAY
City: CAMBRIDGE
State: MA
Zip: 02139
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Cambridge Public Library reported that 88% of CCTV workshop attendees felt the workshop supported them in learning new skills for multimedia production and when relevant, 71% felt the content would help them prepare to work on their own productions. Over 90% of the technology literacy course attendees indicated that they would continue utilizing the tool they learned. Griswold Memorial Library (Colrain) included a story of a single mother who was struggling to get her 5th grader out of the house and away from the TV. She convinced him to come to the lamp-making workshop, which he loved, and he talked about how he wanted to be an engineer/electrician. He continued to participate in and enjoy several other workshops. A mushroom club, weekly stitching group, and monthly travel journal meet-up all resulted from programs held at various libraries.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The outcomes and findings from Cambridge and Colrain support the ability of these types of activities to introduce and support workforce development and skills. Offering exposure to new ideas can generate enough interest that the library may find itself host to groups and clubs. Libraries do not have to start every program from scratch. They can play a supporting role in the interests of their communities.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
A common thread noted in all the projects was the importance of partners and outside collaboration. Not only were they key in the success of the projects, they remain vital for their sustainability. These outside individuals and groups brought a level of expertise that has elevated what the libraries are able to offer. Some libraries discussed the value in offering a creative outlet for adults. Many creative activities are geared at youth and few, if any, are available for adults. However, all the adult programs were well-received. Snow Library (Orleans) shared that one participant stated "[This class] was a wake-up call after years of neglecting this practice'. Life-long learning is an essential part of libraries and, with that in mind, they should offer a range of learning options to all ages. Many libraries also reported how valuable this project was in bringing community together and in building community connections. A shared purpose and common interests unite people and can help forge the social bonds that are critical for healthy communities. Maker activities can have a value for communities beyond mere instruction.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: makerspace