A place to make, hack, and learn: makerspaces in Australian public libraries


Autoria(s): Slatter, Diane; Howard, Zaana
Data(s)

2013

Resumo

Content-creation spaces, or ‘makerspaces’, are an emerging phenomenon in public libraries worldwide. This study investigated the current state of makerspaces in Australian public libraries. Qualitative interviews with three information professionals formed the data collection. Thematic analysis of interviews addressed two research questions: What are the issues and challenges of creating makerspaces within Australian public libraries? How can they be addressed? Findings revealed the substantive benefits of these spaces, including enhanced community engagement, development of a new form of library as ‘third place’, and transforming the library's image from that of a place where works are consumed to that of a place where works are created. Additionally the study highlighted significant challenges to creating these spaces, including budgetary constraints, resistance to change within organisations and proving the relevance of such spaces within a library context. The study provides suggestions for overcoming these obstacles and provides areas for further research in the area, including larger studies across a broader geographic area and further investigation and follow-up into upcoming programs within existing makerspaces.

Formato

application/pdf

Identificador

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/73071/

Publicador

Taylor & Frances

Relação

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/73071/1/73071.pdf

DOI:10.1080/00049670.2013.853335

Slatter, Diane & Howard, Zaana (2013) A place to make, hack, and learn: makerspaces in Australian public libraries. The Australian Library Journal, 62(4), pp. 272-284.

Direitos

Taylor & Francis

Fonte

Division of Technology, Information and Learning Support

Palavras-Chave #080700 LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIES #080799 Library and Information Studies not elsewhere classified #Makerspaces #Public Libraries #Content Creation, #Fabrication #Library Spaces #Community Engagement #Library Innovation #hacker spaces
Tipo

Journal Article