Operations

Once you’re in the swing of things, you’ll become a master at keeping your makerspace operating smoothly. In the beginning, take solstice in the fact that many makers and design enthusiasts before you have paved the way and have many tips to help you get started. Some factors to consider (which will have different outcomes based on your vision and goals for your individual makerspace):

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Facilities and Storage

​There are certain must-have items in a makerspace, both
for productivity and safety
purposes. Although no two
makerspaces look the same,
this category probably has
the least variance from one
​space to another.

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Tools and Materials

​Tools and materials are not
independent of one another
as they must work together
for successful creation. Tool
and material capabilities
vary based on audience,
budget and desired outcome.
Here, you’ll find informational
charts to get help you get
​started.

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Training and Supervision

​All makers need some type
of training to work in a shop,
and makerspaces usually have competency regulations to
keep the environment safe for
​all users. Here, you’ll find
downloadable Tool Training
Guides, Competency Checklists, and Refresher Guides.

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Staff, Hours, and
Scheduling

All makers need some type
of training to work in a shop,
and makerspaces usually have
competency regulations to
keep the environment safe for
all users. Here, you’ll find Tool Training Guides, Competency Checklists, and Refresher Guides
​for download.

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Growth and Development

​As you go, you will learn what
works and what doesn’t, and eventually will become an expert
at managing your individual makerspace. Each makerspace
has personal needs based on
many factors from location to accessibility to type of user.