Makerspace; -creative, hands-on learning spaces are popping up on college campuses. Often integrated into libraries or educational buildings, we’re now seeing more and more stand-alone facilities dedicated to sparking ingenuity and inspiring collaboration.
When it comes to designing a makerspace the key aspects need to be taken into account: from the tech which will be used to how the space encourages students to work together. One factor that is often overlooked is storage for tools, supplies and equipment – without these resources nearby students will struggle with their projects.
Libraries are constantly looking for ways to store an ever-growing volume of materials while still offering patrons access to open, flexible workspaces. With limited space in the heart of bustling town centers, many library locations have turned to off-site storage options as a cost-effective way to maximize customer experience and keep their collections organized.
For libraries considering utilizing an off-site facility for storing excess materials, it is important that they take into account key factors such as site selection – ensuring the facility is within a reasonable distance; space requirements – taking into consideration their current and future needs; and environmental control – confirming the ability to provide appropriate temperature and humidity levels for each item. With market costs per square foot continuing to rise year over year, this professional planning process will ensure best use of resources with maximum benefit for patrons.
That’s where we come in! Our specialists can help optimize your space ensuring everything your students need is always readily available when they require it most.
The high-density mobile shelving systems keep materials on-site in about half the space of static shelving. This results in freed up space for individual study areas. It creates socially distant collaboration areas or other use areas. Compact shelving can also create boundary areas to help enforce density guidelines. To reduce high-touch surfaces, consider powered mobile systems that allow users to open and close aisles from their personal mobile devices. This cuts down on touch of public screens. Now, we can discuss aesthetics.
Your equipment needs a home on the shop floor, but have you thought about how to provide easy access to smaller tools and supplies such as drills, hand tools, electrical components, soldering supplies and resin for 3D printers?
Centralizing your storage is one way to offer convenience in accessing items. A centralized tool area with a check-out window ensures security for rented items, organization of tools and visibility into student projects. This room should be adjacent or even centrally located within the makerspace with multiple check-out windows so students don’t have to venture far for their project needs.
A colored bin system on shelving makes it simple to move supplies around and rent them out without compromising space – even if you’re tight on square footage! High density mobile shelving may also be utilized to maximize storage while offering an organized approach that still allows bulky items like boxes to fit on top.
Having a centralized storage room might not be available in all cases, so you can consider adding workstation-integrated supply storage. If certain areas typically require the same supplies for their projects (electrical/circuitry or soldering, for example), equipping the workstations with drawers and cabinets to store kits of supplies is an ideal solution. That way, students will always have access to what they need right where they are.
To prevent discomfort during project development over longer periods of time, providing temporary project lockers is highly recommended. Make sure these come in different sizes to accommodate any size of project and can be secured with traditional locks, digital locks or RFID/student ID swipes for extra safety.
Spacesaver Day Use Lockers mounted on a carriage-and-rail system serve as the basis for the movable room dividers. The partitions can be pushed together at one end of the creating a large, open space for guest speakers or other events. Another possible solution is to move the partitions anywhere along the rails to create smaller spaces for collaboration or independent work. Lockers in a variety of sizes and configurations are designed to accommodate personal belongings and students’ work in progress. In addition, the partitions can also feature whiteboards and monitors to facilitate collaboration. Furniture on casters adds even more flexibility to the space.
Campus library and makerspace storage systems are specialized solutions designed to organize books, archives, technology, tools, project materials, and collaborative learning resources. Spacesaver Storage Solutions helps colleges and universities create flexible, efficient learning environments by maximizing storage capacity while freeing valuable floor space for students and faculty.
High-density mobile shelving eliminates unnecessary fixed aisles, allowing libraries to store significantly more materials within the same footprint. Many institutions reclaim enough space to create study rooms, collaborative learning areas, makerspaces, or technology labs without expanding the building.
Yes. Many universities repurpose underutilized book stacks by installing compact shelving, mobile systems, and flexible storage solutions. The recovered space can accommodate makerspaces, digital media labs, collaboration zones, and innovation centers while keeping collections accessible.
Spacesaver Storage Solutions offers a wide variety of storage products, including:
Our storage systems securely organize filament, hand tools, electronics, robotics components, laser cutter accessories, safety equipment, and other fabrication supplies. Adjustable shelving, drawer cabinets, and secure storage help protect equipment while keeping it easily accessible for students and instructors.
Absolutely. Day-use lockers, project lockers, secure cabinets, and lockable storage systems allow students to safely store prototypes, engineering projects, artwork, robotics assemblies, and in-progress assignments until they're ready to continue working.
Yes. Every campus has unique requirements. Spacesaver Storage Solutions customizes shelving heights, cabinet sizes, drawer configurations, locker layouts, accessories, finishes, and storage capacity to match your building, collections, and academic programs.
Yes. Many of our shelving systems are modular and can be expanded, relocated, or reconfigured as collections evolve or campus priorities change, helping protect your investment for years to come.
Yes. We provide preservation-focused storage solutions for:
These systems help protect valuable materials while improving organization and accessibility.
Yes. Mobile shelving improves organization while maintaining convenient access to collections. Properly designed systems can also improve workflow for library staff and create more open, welcoming environments for students.
Our storage systems support:
Yes. Flexible storage solutions help create adaptable spaces that transition between independent study, group collaboration, workshops, presentations, and hands-on learning. Mobile storage, movable partitions, and modular furnishings allow libraries and makerspaces to evolve throughout the day.
Yes. For institutions with growing collections, Spacesaver Storage Solutions designs high-density off-site storage facilities that preserve books, archives, and research materials while freeing valuable campus space for student-focused services and learning environments.
Yes. Spacesaver Storage Solutions provides consultation, space planning, design, professional installation, and ongoing service for colleges and universities throughout Virginia, including Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Hampton Roads and surrounding communities.
Universities choose Spacesaver Storage Solutions because we deliver:
Our goal is to help colleges and universities create modern, adaptable learning environments that support research, collaboration, innovation, and student success.
