Makerspace

The Makerspace provides equipment, materials, and tools that promote innovation and creativity. The space is free to all U of M Twin Cities faculty, students, and staff.

Learners at all skill levels can visit the Makerspace to:

• explore new technologies,
• attend workshops and receive guidance on designs and tools,
• prototype ideas,
• build problem-solving skills, 
• apply technology to coursework and research, and
• have fun, build community, and be creative.

Makerspace staff offer help with projects from idea to creation to project refinement.  

Equipment and supplies

The Makerspace has a variety of equipment, materials, and supplies, including:

• vinyl cutters,
• 3D printers,
• sewing machines,
• and soldering irons.

Upcoming Makerspace workshops

Workshops are free of charge on a first come, first-served basis. Registration requested.

Recent Makerspace news

Is the Makerspace my space?

In the bright, yet somewhat austere environment of the Health Sciences Education Center, the Health Sciences Library Makerspace stands out, with colorful displays in its windows and — inside its doors — intriguing tools, 3D printers, and plenty of tables to spread out a project. This space — its equipment, its whimsical approach, and its meaningful outcomes — is meant for everyone connected to the U who wishes to explore their craft skills and their creativity.

Old items bring new joy: Meet the Maker of the Month, Annie Henly

Meet Annie Henly, staff member from CDes who hosts Mending Mondays in the UMN Libraries every Monday during the semester. She teaches visitors to the Breakerspace how to mend their belongings and bring new life to old objects. Part of the Maker of the Month series by the Innovation and Experiential Learning Department in the University Libraries.

A simple way to spread joy: Meet Maker of the Month Hannah Sipe

Meet Hannah Sipe, guest maker in the Walter Library Breakerspace. She makes cards on the Cricut Maker as a way to cope with her pain from a traumatic brain injury, and will be visiting the UMN Libraries to teach students how to make cards just like hers. Part of the Maker of the Month series by the Innovation and Experiential Learning Department in the University Libraries.

Students take library equipment to new heights

There’s nothing like a mid-winter Minnesota sunset! That’s what Felipe Galindo shows us with his 360 Sunset Flight over the University of Minnesota. A second-year College of Science & Engineering student majoring in computer science, Felipe recorded the video using a Insta360 One X2 camera he could check out from the library, mounted on a drone with a device he designed himself.

Related staff

Carolyn Bishoff

Physics, Astronomy, and Earth Sciences Librarian, Innovation Lead