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Lessons learned: intentional implementation of second makerspaces

Heather Moorefield-Lang (University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA)

Reference Services Review

ISSN: 0090-7324

Article publication date: 5 December 2018

Issue publication date: 24 April 2019

1004

Abstract

Purpose

What happens when a librarian outgrows their maker learning location or transfers to a new library? The purpose of this study is to explore the planning process for second and/or new library makerspaces. Is the planning more intentional? Is there more focus on how the makerspace should be put together for the community served? Is the community further involved? This study will explore those questions and more.

Design/methodology/approach

Using content analysis, the perspectives of practicing librarians in the achievement of subsequent makerspaces are examined. Data include librarian interviews, an analysis using NVivo 11 through the lens of design thinking, and a final review using member checking by each research participant.

Findings

Makerspaces continue to grow in popularity in school and public/community libraries. What is unexplored is the moving from a first makerspace to the implementation of a second and/or new maker learning location. More intentional planning is involved. The community served by the library is further engaged in the planning. Study results illustrate the value that community insight and intentional planning play in the design and implementation of makerspaces.

Originality/value

Makerspaces in libraries continue to grow in popularity; in turn, the body of peer-reviewed, scholarly publications also continues to grow. Librarians in the field are beginning to move from their first to second makerspaces. This study investigates those perspectives. Much can be gained from the experiences of those who have implemented their second or third makerspace.

Keywords

Citation

Moorefield-Lang, H. (2019), "Lessons learned: intentional implementation of second makerspaces", Reference Services Review, Vol. 47 No. 1, pp. 37-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-07-2018-0058

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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