Makerspace Coordinator

Makerspace Coordinator – Portage District Library, Portage, MI

Full‑Time, 40 hours/week. Salary: $53,100 – $67,200 annually. Final date to receive applications:
Jan 30, 2026.

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Job Summary
:
This is a professional position performing highly technical work involving the delivery of library services to library patrons of all ages. Incumbents in this category develop and coordinate small and large‑scale library programs and activities that are age‑relevant to the group to which they are directed. They develop and maintain a collection of devices that match the educational, reference, and recreational needs of the community, instruct and assist patrons in the use of makerspace materials, equipment, and software, and use social media and other communication tools to interact with library patrons.

The position requires the ability to work and perform well under demanding circumstances, including personally demanding situations. Incumbents supervise staff, volunteers, and other library personnel as necessary.

• Stay current with technology trends and make recommendations for new equipment, software, and programming while participating in strategic planning initiatives related to the Makerspace.
• Analyze community needs, cultural trends, and emerging library practices to inform and expand Makerspace.
• Track inventory and purchase new consumables related to the Makerspace.
• Oversee the Makerspace, perform general troubleshooting and required maintenance of Makerspace equipment, furnishings, and software.
• Organize the Makerspace and create or amend procedures using best practices for safety, compliance, and collaboration with the library community of users.
• Oversee the Makerspace budget and keep track of usage statistics.
• Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate programs with a focus on making and technology for children, teens, adults, and intergenerational audiences that could be presented in or outside the library.
• Actively and continually solicit ideas from library staff and collaborate with them to develop Makerspace programming for all ages.
• Collaborate with community members to present Makerspace classes and programs.
• Assist patrons in the use of Makerspace equipment.
• Assist in the promotion of the Makerspace utilizing written, oral, video, web, and social media communication.
• Seek out and engage with community groups to promote the library and Makerspace services.
• Conduct outreach using Makerspace ideas/equipment, paying special attention to underserved or marginalized populations.
• Train and supervise Makerspace staff through on‑site instruction.
• Train Makerspace staff on how to prepare and present Makerspace programs directed at the various audiences the library serves.
• Perform tours and presentations on Makerspace services.
• Attend educational programs and read literature to keep up to date on new developments in the Makerspace field.
• Assist in the preparation of reports and information for staff and Library Board reports.
• Supervise library operations and closing of the facility during evening and weekend hours in the absence of senior management.
• Initiate and maintain community contacts and serve on committees and boards at the local and state level.
• Participate in professional organizations, share information by networking, teaching workshops, and preparing group presentations in the community and at local, state, and national conferences.
• Pursue professional development by serving on PDL committees and attending meetings, workshops, and conferences to maintain up‑to‑date knowledge and skills of pertinent library policies, procedures, and equipment.
• Proactively seek opportunities to provide friendly and helpful customer services to library users.
• Attend training courses and undertake special training activities as directed.
• Participate in the development and implementation of planning and visioning for the department.
• Serve as front‑line staff in enforcing library policies and resolving patron conflicts.
• Represent the Library at various promotional events and activities.

• Working knowledge and understanding of makerspace/creation station operations, including…