Speakers
The Impact and Value of Makerspaces in Public Libraries
Kyungwon Koh, Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. kkoh@illinois.edu
Abstract
Library makerspaces foster community by bringing together diverse individuals through hands-on creative activities and promoting maker mindsets with a variety of technologies and tools. Research on makerspaces is important because they reflect libraries’ evolving role in adapting to a rapidly changing society. Research demonstrates the impact and value of library makerspaces, including supporting core library missions, reshaping perceptions of libraries, boosting pride, increasing usage, attracting new members, and helping preserve a community’s intangible cultural heritage.
Practical Implications:
- Research findings can be used to demonstrate and advocate for the value and impact of library makerspaces.
- Sustainability, one of the ALA core values of librarianship, needs further investigation in library makerspaces.
- Both robust training in formal education and informal networks (communities of practice) are needed to address the development needs of makerspace staff.
What First-Time Users Can Teach Us About makerspace Design and Experience
Maggie Melo, Associate Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. eitm@unc.edu
Whose Values? Navigating Key Tensions in Makerspace Design, Use, and Evaluation
Rebecca M. Teasdale, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois Chicago. rteasd2@uic.edu
Abstract
Public library makerspaces serve heterogenous populations, support self-directed participation, and aim to foster equity and inclusion. These characteristics give rise to tensions in makerspace design, use, and evaluation. This talk considers adult-serving makerspaces and explores tensions related to (1) makers’ product- and process-related aims, (2) learning as an aim and learning as a byproduct of making, and (3) library values and community values.
Practical Implications:
- Examine how makerspace scheduling, spatial arrangements, and rules differentially support adults focused on making specific products and those who are more focused on the process or experience of making
- Consider how makerspaces are framed—as learning spaces, production spaces, and/or social spaces—and how this may resonate with different adults based on their varying values
- Gather information about community values and use the findings to shape the design, implantation, and evaluation of the makerspace