Campus Library & Makerspace Storage Systems

Making Space in Libraries for Students

Makerspace; -creative, hands-on learning spaces are popping up on college campuses. Often integrated into libraries or educational buildings, we’re now seeing more and more stand-alone facilities dedicated to sparking ingenuity and inspiring collaboration.

When it comes to designing a makerspace the key aspects need to be taken into account: from the tech which will be used to how the space encourages students to work together. One factor that is often overlooked is storage for tools, supplies and equipment – without these resources nearby students will struggle with their projects.

Libraries are constantly looking for ways to store an ever-growing volume of materials while still offering patrons access to open, flexible workspaces. With limited space in the heart of bustling town centers, many library locations have turned to off-site storage options as a cost-effective way to maximize customer experience and keep their collections organized.

For libraries considering utilizing an off-site facility for storing excess materials, it is important that they take into account key factors such as site selection – ensuring the facility is within a reasonable distance; space requirements – taking into consideration their current and future needs; and environmental control – confirming the ability to provide appropriate temperature and humidity levels for each item. With market costs per square foot continuing to rise year over year, this professional planning process will ensure best use of resources with maximum benefit for patrons.

That’s where we come in! Our specialists can help optimize your space ensuring everything your students need is always readily available when they require it most.

Reduce the stacks’ footprint with high-density mobile shelving

The high-density mobile shelving systems keep materials on-site in about half the space of static shelving.   This results in freed up space for individual study areas.  It creates socially distant collaboration areas or other use areas. Compact shelving can also create boundary areas to help enforce density guidelines.  To reduce high-touch surfaces, consider powered mobile systems that allow users to open and close aisles from their personal mobile devices. This cuts down on touch of public screens. Now, we can discuss aesthetics.

Tool & Supply Storage

Your equipment needs a home on the shop floor, but have you thought about how to provide easy access to smaller tools and supplies such as drills, hand tools, electrical components, soldering supplies and resin for 3D printers?

3D Printer Supply Storage Solutions:

Centralizing your storage is one way to offer convenience in accessing items. A centralized tool area with a check-out window ensures security for rented items, organization of tools and visibility into student projects. This room should be adjacent or even centrally located within the makerspace with multiple check-out windows so students don’t have to venture far for their project needs.

A colored bin system on shelving makes it simple to move supplies around and rent them out without compromising space – even if you’re tight on square footage! High density mobile shelving may also be utilized to maximize storage while offering an organized approach that still allows bulky items like boxes to fit on top.

Having a centralized storage room might not be available in all cases, so you can consider adding workstation-integrated supply storage. If certain areas typically require the same supplies for their projects (electrical/circuitry or soldering, for example), equipping the workstations with drawers and cabinets to store kits of supplies is an ideal solution. That way, students will always have access to what they need right where they are.

To prevent discomfort during project development over longer periods of time, providing temporary project lockers is highly recommended. Make sure these come in different sizes to accommodate any size of project and can be secured with traditional locks, digital locks or RFID/student ID swipes for extra safety.

Flexible Spaces at a University

Spacesaver Day Use Lockers mounted on a carriage-and-rail system serve as the basis for the movable room dividers. The partitions can be pushed together at one end of the creating a large, open space for guest speakers or other events.  Another possible solution is to move the partitions anywhere along the rails to create smaller spaces for collaboration or independent work. Lockers in a variety of sizes and configurations are designed to accommodate personal belongings and students’ work in progress. In addition, the partitions can also feature whiteboards and monitors to facilitate collaboration.  Furniture on casters adds even more flexibility to the space.