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G2S Project Code: 2020-TX-85672
State: Texas
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
AMARILLO PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Amanda Barrera
Director Phone: (806) 378-3050
Director Email: amanda.barrera@amarillolibrary.org
General Information
Title: Amarillo Public Library Makerspace
State Project Code: SPP-21001
Start Date: 09/01/2020
End Date: 08/31/2021
Abstract: Grant funds supported the purchase of supplies and equipment for a Downtown Library Makerspace, as well as training for staff to operate the new services. Having a Makerspace at the library allowed community members to use tools and technology not easily accessible elsewhere.

From TSLAC:
Items were purchased as planned for the Makerspace and included items for various activities including leathermaking quilting/textiles including a quilting machine, sewing machines; jewelry making; wood working, book recycling. The Makerspace opening was delayed till summer 2021 due to construction issues. 
State Goal: Goal 2: Access to resources and services to meet community and personal goals.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$23,897.00
$0.00
$0.00
$23,897.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Other
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Makerspace
Narrative: Amarillo Public Library purchased supplies and equipment for a Downtown Library Makerspace, as well as training for staff to effectively operate this new array of services.  The plan allowed for a two-phase project, with Phase 1 being construction. Construction was delayed, pushing the opening date to the summer of 2021.

Makerspace activities include leathermaking quilting/textiles including a quilting machine, sewing machines; jewelry making; wood working, book recycling. 
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 420
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 4
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
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: AMARILLO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 413 E 4TH AVE
City: AMARILLO
State: TX
Zip: 79101
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
From the Library: Unfortunately, the MakerSpace has not been open long enough to gather data on any long-term effects that we were hoping to report on; however, a total of 301 users have been counted in the MakerSpace, many of them returning multiple times to work on their projects. The Library has provided 421 people with tours of the space (individuals as well as small groups like scout troops, sewing/quilting clubs, and homeschooling families). The library has received notes from individuals who were satisfied with their experience in the makerspace.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
From the Library: The Amarillo library is carefully considering the evaluation methods it originally proposed.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
From the Library: It is vital to have contingency plans in place for unexpected delays. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed our timeline back and delayed the opening of the MakerSpace by several months. Supply chain issues sometimes delayed the shipment and receiving of equipment/supplies. Seek out the people on the library's staff who have "making" or crafting experience. They will be a valuable source of information regarding the best, most reliable equipment and supplies to procure.
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