Users' Experiences in a Regional Academic Library Makerspace
Article
Bell, Emilia C., Piper, Stephanie and O'Sullivan, Carmel. 2023. "Users' Experiences in a Regional Academic Library Makerspace." Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association. 72 (2), pp. 135-149. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2023.2202512
Article Title | Users' Experiences in a Regional Academic Library Makerspace |
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ERA Journal ID | 10637 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Bell, Emilia C., Piper, Stephanie and O'Sullivan, Carmel |
Journal Title | Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association |
Journal Citation | 72 (2), pp. 135-149 |
Number of Pages | 15 |
Year | 2023 |
Publisher | Routledge |
Place of Publication | Australia |
ISSN | 2475-0158 |
2475-0166 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2023.2202512 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24750158.2023.2202512 |
Abstract | Makerspaces are still emerging service offerings and establishments within libraries and on university campuses. They provide equipment and expertise for hands-on projects and skill-building, especially around digital fabrication. This paper presents findings from a qualitative case study of a makerspace in a regional university Library at the University of Southern Queensland. It explores users’ experiences of participation and value across three usage types in the Makerspace: course curriculum, extracurricular, and research. To understand users’ experiences within the space a visual research method was adopted alongside semi-structured interviews. This facilitated a participant-driven dialogue and adding depth to the data collected. A reflexive thematic analysis of interview transcripts was undertaken from which five themes were developed. These were: a tentative start, practical need, skills development, community connection, and influencing outlook. The resulting themes presented a narrative of users’ participation that started with tentative curiosity and hesitancy around using the Makerspace, but ultimately saw participants finding value in new perspectives and skills. |
Keywords | academic libraries; Makerspaces; university libraries; Makerspaces |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 4610. Library and information studies |
Byline Affiliations | Library Services |
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https://research.usq.edu.au/item/z2557/users-experiences-in-a-regional-academic-library-makerspace
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