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

ERA Journal ID10637
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsBell, Emilia C., Piper, Stephanie and O'Sullivan, Carmel
Journal TitleJournal of the Australian Library and Information Association
Journal Citation72 (2), pp. 135-149
Number of Pages15
Year2023
PublisherRoutledge
Place of PublicationAustralia
ISSN2475-0158
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
AbstractMakerspaces 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.
Keywordsacademic libraries; Makerspaces; university libraries; Makerspaces
ANZSRC Field of Research 20204610. Library and information studies
Byline AffiliationsLibrary Services
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