Hello all!
Christina Smith has provided some additional information to follow up her tour of The Lab at Olathe Public Libary on February 13th:
Example Table Roulette Spinners:
These were developed by our Makerspace Supervisor Matthew Carlson. They are used to spark new ideas in staff and think of different ways to use materials and methods. Displays are usually changed monthly.
Staff are able to work on their projects during hours they aren't on the desk. They are not encouraged to spend personal time working on them. They can keep the items if they want or if special items were purchased to create that thing we will see if it can be broken down and used again. Otherwise they go on the free table in the back for all library staff to pick from if they want to.
Hiring Skills or Demonstration of Expertise Test:
Since the space had changed managers and structure we have changed how hiring is handled. We have asked candidates to make a 15 min class for the hiring committee to participate in. They need to lead the group to have a small completed project by the end of the session. They are not graded on if they used expensive equipment or materials. It's more about how they can guide the group to a complete project in the time available and if they have thought out their directions. We ask that they leave behind all directions, power points or other aids they have created.
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Create a scenario that happens often in your makerspace such a someone coming in with their logo and wanting to turn it into a sign or desk display.
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Give the candidate the file a week beforehand and have it available on the day of the interview.
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Give a time frame they need to have a completed item, e.g. 20 min.
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Tell them what materials and machines they will have access to on the day.
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Final project is completely up to them.
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Let them know you expect for them to walk the hiring group through the process and speak to them as they would a patron.
While this method it is interesting making sure you take into account their entire work history on top of how the skills test went are important. Not everyone preforms as well under these circumstances but it's easier to see where you can coach them to bring them up to the level you need for that position.
Thanks all and have a great day!
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Sarah Nagle
Creation and Innovation Services Librarian
Miami University Libraries
She/Her/Hers
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