That's a Wrap

What an amazing, informative and inspiring month we had at the 2020 Virtual Emerging Technology Symposium as we gathered throughout September to learn about creating intentional inclusion in our makerspaces in order to keep them relevant to our communities.  We learned how libraries of all types and sizes have created, developed and grown their spaces, creatively adjusting and reshaping their vision to serve customers before and during the pandemic.  Sessions reinforced the idea that a makerspace can include anything from top of the line emerging tech equipment to simple tools and crafts, but that they must be purposeful, and they can and should grow with the community. Most of all, we saw that makerspaces and making aren’t just about the tools and tech, but about providing inclusive spaces for people to use and to define for themselves, to prototype, to help others, to champion social justice, and to gain confidence. 
 
Thank you to all of the speakers who lent their expertise and experience through programs and poster sessions. Our speakers provided valuable and practical takeaways, suited to every stage of makerspace planning or implementation, all aimed at helping others develop their makerspaces with purpose and to foster the possibilities and the imagination of their communities.   
 
If you would like to view any or all the events from the Emerging Technology Symposium, click here.