About SmartLab
About SmartLab
Intelligent laboratory in the library.
What is SmartLab
Creative workshop, makerspace, urban workshop or Fablab. These are names for spaces that share common features, such as fostering creativity, access to modern production technologies and innovative education.
Smart laboratorium, shortened SmartLab, is such a type of space designed for public libraries that have decided to implement experiential STEAM education, promote creativity, develop digital and manual skills, popularize science and technology, and provide innovative services to their users.
Who is SmartLab intended for?
The goal of SmartLabs is to popularize science and technology and to arouse interest in the STEAM field (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) among children and youth. However, the services and activities of SmartLabs are also open to the general public. Anyone who wants to discover their creativity and learn new skills is welcome.
The terms of use of the SmartLab are set by each library individually according to its spatial or personnel capacities. In general, the person interested in visiting the SmartLab should be a registered user of the given library. For specific information, contact the library in your area.
Who is SmartLab intended for?
The goal of SmartLabs is to popularize science and technology and to arouse interest in the STEAM field (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) among children and youth. However, the services and activities of SmartLabs are also open to the general public. Anyone who wants to discover their creativity and learn new skills is welcome.
The terms of use of the SmartLab are set by each library individually according to its spatial or personnel capacities. In general, the person interested in visiting the SmartLab should be a registered user of the given library. For specific information, contact the library in your area.
Why in the library
The makerspace and the library share several common characteristics, such as openness, sharing things, a community aspect, and support for education. Therefore, building makerspaces in libraries is a natural process. Abroad, makerspaces have already become a common part of libraries, bringing numerous benefits.
Libraries, as open spaces for the general public, represent ideal locations for makerspaces. They can offer new, innovative services, educate in new and relevant fields, and become an integral part of community infrastructure.
Possibilities of use and production
SmartLab offers a wide range of modern technologies and equipment, thanks to which the public can realize their ideas and projects in technical and artistic fields. Users can use, for example, 3D printing, sublimation printing, vinyl cutter, thermopress or pyrographic pens to create and edit various objects.
The equipment is also used for the implementation of educational workshops – from 3D modeling, through work with textiles to creative wood treatment. A list and description of the equipment is available on the Equipment page.
Possibilities of use and production
SmartLab offers a wide range of modern technologies and equipment, thanks to which the public can realize their ideas and projects in technical and artistic fields. Users can use, for example, 3D printing, sublimation printing, vinyl cutter, thermopress or pyrographic pens to create and edit various objects.
The equipment is also used for the implementation of educational workshops – from 3D modeling, through work with textiles to creative wood treatment. A list and description of the equipment is available on the Equipment page.
Experiential STEAM education
In SmartLab, a playful and experiential approach is used in a wide range of educational workshops focused on the STEAM field. In addition to sparking interest in programming, robotics, electrical engineering, artificial intelligence or 3D modeling, other competencies such as critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and next-gen skills are also supported thanks to innovative approaches.
SmartLab also encourages interdisciplinary learning and collaboration among students, allowing for the integration of diverse perspectives and approaches to problem solving. With its innovative approach to education, SmartLab helps children and youth prepare for the future. You can find more about the support of skills and competences on the Education page.
Who is behind SmartLabs?
The scientific library of the Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information of the Slovak Republic (CVTI SR) is behind the idea of building creative workshops in public libraries. From 2021, it actively supports the building of makerspaces and the digital skills of librarians as one of the activities of the Libraries for Slovakia consortium.
Thanks to the National Strategy for Research, Development and Innovation 2030 and the support of the Research and Innovation Authority of the Government Office of the Slovak Republic, the scientific library CVTI SR can systematically establish 50 SmartLabs – Intelligent laboratories in libraries throughout Slovakia, in which experiential education focused on the STEAM field will take place. You can find more about the measure Supporting the development of intelligent laboratories in libraries in the Action Plan of the National Strategy for Research, Development and Innovation 2030.
Who is behind SmartLabs?
The scientific library of the Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information of the Slovak Republic (CVTI SR) is behind the idea of building creative workshops in public libraries. From 2021, it actively supports the building of makerspaces and the digital skills of librarians as one of the activities of the Libraries for Slovakia consortium.
Thanks to the National Strategy for Research, Development and Innovation 2030 and the support of the Research and Innovation Authority of the Government Office of the Slovak Republic, the scientific library CVTI SR can systematically establish 50 SmartLabs – Intelligent laboratories in libraries throughout Slovakia, in which experiential education focused on the STEAM field will take place. You can find more about the measure Supporting the development of intelligent laboratories in libraries in the Action Plan of the National Strategy for Research, Development and Innovation 2030.
