Democratizing the Maker Movement: A Case Study of One Public Library System’s Makerspace Program

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Lakind ◽  
Rebekah Willett ◽  
Erica Rosenfeld Halverson
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Maker Movement ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Do It Yourself ◽  
Creative Ideation ◽  
Library Profession ◽  
The Maker Movement

The maker movement has found a home in public libraries. Field leaders including public libraries in Chicago, Chattanooga, Houston, Louisville, and Toronto have built robust makerspaces, developed maker programming for a diverse range of patrons, connected community experts with library users for the purpose of sharing information, and fostered communities of practice. Characterized by open exploration, intrinsic interest, and creative ideation, the maker movement can be broadly defined as participation in the creative production of physical and digital artifacts in people’s day-to-day lives. The maker movement employs a do-it-yourself orientation toward a range of disciplines, including robotics, woodworking, textiles, and electronics. But the maker ethos also includes a do-it-with-others approach, valuing collaboration, distributed expertise, and open workspaces. To many in the library profession, the values ingrained in the maker movement seem to be shared with the aims and goals of public libraries. However, critiques of the maker movement raise questions about current iterations of makerspaces across settings. This article highlights critiques and responses regarding the “democratic” nature of the maker movement, and in particular, the article analyzes ways librarians involved in a prominent public library maker program discursively construct making and maker programming in relation to the maker movement more generally.

scholarly journals The Public Library Catalogue as a Social Space: A Case Study of Social Discovery Systems in Two Canadian Public Libraries

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise F. Spiteri ◽  
Laurel Tarulli
Keyword(s):  
Social Space ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
User Generated Content ◽  
Log Data ◽  
The Public ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Library Catalogue

This paper uses transaction log data to examine how library users interact with two social discovery systems used in two Canadian public library systems. Results indicate that user-generated content is not used extensively or significantly in the two social discovery systems. Format is the predominant facet used to refine searches; the remaining facets are significantly underrepresented.Cette étude utilise les journaux transactionnels pour déterminer comment les usagers des bibliothèques interagissent avec deux systèmes de découverte sociaux en place dans deux réseaux de bibliothèques publiques canadiennes. Les résultats indiquent que le contenu généré par les utilisateurs n’est pas utilisé à grande échelle ou de façon importante dans aucun des deux systèmes de découverte sociaux. Le format est la principale facette utilisée pour raffiner les recherches; les autres facettes étant sous-représentées. 

scholarly journals Hemos comprado una 3D para la biblioteca: esta ha sido nuestra experiencia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Juárez-Urquijo
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Maker Movement ◽  
Personal Level ◽  
The Maker Movement ◽  
Aprendizaje Informal

The maker movement is a social movement with a craft spirit through which digital fabrication methods have become accessible at a personal level. Public libraries are ideal for offering makerspaces that enable the collaborative use of tools and technologies to foster informal learning. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been one of the keys to the expansion of the maker movement, and its presence in libraries, often identified as the “gateway” to the maker philosophy, is not unusual, albeit remaining more a desire than a reality. We recount herein our experience of purchasing and setting up a 3D printer to enable a reflection on makerspaces in a public library. Resumen El movimiento maker es un movimiento social en el que los métodos de fabricación digital se han hecho accesibles a escala personal. Las bibliotecas públicas son ideales para ofrecer espacios para creadores (makerspaces) en los que se propone el uso colaborativo de herramientas y tecnologías para fomentar el aprendizaje informal. La impresión 3D ha sido una de las claves para la expansión del movimiento maker y su incipiente presencia en bibliotecas, identificada a menudo como “la vía de acceso” a la filosofía maker, sigue siendo más un deseo que una realidad. En este trabajo contamos la experiencia de compra y puesta en marcha de una impresora 3D para reflexionar sobre los espacios de creación en una biblioteca pública.

The e-book war in Denmark

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-105
Author(s):  
Lisbeth Worsøe-Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Book Market ◽  
The Public ◽  
Library System ◽  
Commercial Market ◽  
Book World ◽  
Traditional Understanding

The aim is to investigate how digitisation and in particular e-books have changed relations between private players and public institutions within the Danish book world through a case study of eReolen, a private-public partnership functioning as common platform for public libraries’ lending of e-books in Denmark. Traditional and new models of the book world are discussed as the basis of understanding relations between the players. A new way of analysing the field outlined by literary sociologist, Professor Johan Svedjedal, is adopted. The main conclusions are that the lending of e-books has disrupted the traditional understanding and interaction between the public library system and the commercial book market. In addition, the Danish library system through the partnership has taken on a new function in relation to the commercial market, namely acting as the engine in building a market for Danish e-books.

The use and promotion of adapted books in Norwegian public libraries

2021 ◽  
pp. 096100062199642
Author(s):  
Gerd Berget
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Library Community ◽  
Library Users ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Broad Variety ◽  
Literary Experiences ◽  
Reading Impairments ◽  
Selection Of

Public libraries offer a large selection of books. For many library users, one of the highlights of the library visit is to explore this collection in search of interesting books that will provide enriching literary experiences. For some people, however, mainstream books might not be motivating to read, for instance, due to reading impairments, language challenges or inaccessible content. Consequently, most libraries also hold a collection of ‘special books’. In Norway, one example of such a collection is the books developed by the association Books for Everyone. This article explores the organization and promotion of adapted books in Norwegian libraries and is based on two datasets. The first dataset comprises the complete production by Books for Everyone, consisting of 232 titles. These books were examined to get an overview of the material commonly found in Norwegian public libraries, with a focus on the allocation of adaptation types and target groups. This dataset showed a diverse collection of books in six different categories. The majority was in the category ‘Easy to Read’, targeted at a broad variety of user groups. The second dataset consisted of survey data from 178 libraries regarding their organization and promotion of the Books for Everyone collection. The data revealed differences in how public libraries utilize these books, due to, for instance, a lack of knowledge about adapted books and potential target groups. Moreover, for many libraries, these books were regarded as ‘special books’ and were consequently not included in exhibitions or book talks. It may be necessary to pay more attention towards adapted literature in the library community and provide more knowledge about this literature among librarians. The overall purpose of this article is to provide some advice to librarians and other practitioners on how to deal with adapted books in a public library context.

Library services enriching community engagement for dementia care: The Tales & Travels Program at a Canadian Public Library as a case study

2021 ◽  
pp. 096100062110651
Author(s):  
Jiamin Dai ◽  
Joan C. Bartlett ◽  
Karyn Moffatt
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based ◽  
People With Dementia

Growing dementia-friendly library services are contributing to community-based dementia care. Emerging community programs in libraries and museums provide notable opportunities for promoting engagement and inclusivity, but these programs have yet to receive in-depth assessments and analyses to guide future research and practice. This paper presents a case study examining a social and storytelling program for people with dementia run by a Canadian public library. It investigates two research questions: How can public library programs contribute to community-based dementia care? And what are public libraries’ strengths and challenges in running programs for people with dementia? The study involves participant observations of the program and semi-structured interviews with people with dementia, caregivers, and program facilitators (librarians and Alzheimer Society coordinators). Through thematic analysis of fieldnotes and transcripts, the study reveals how this inclusive platform supports engagement, fosters relationships, helps caregivers, and reaches broader communities. This research further uncovers the librarians’ diversified roles as demonstrated through their collaboration with professionals, preparation and research, and facilitation of the sessions. This paper advances librarianship research on enriching community-based dementia care, including furthering inclusivity and engagement and extending accessible library services. By analyzing library programming for the dementia community and assessing its strengths and challenges, the paper highlights librarians’ awareness of the community’s evolving needs and their collaboration with other professionals. It offers practical insights on useful resources and emerging best practices that will hopefully inspire other initiatives in which information professionals can help improve the well-being of vulnerable populations.

The role of libraries in the dissemination of health information in Botswana

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 320-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuelo Ntlotlang ◽  
Balulwami Grand
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Health Information Sources

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the role of public libraries in the dissemination of health information in the southern part of Botswana, namely, Kgatleng and Kweneng districts. It also explored how these libraries market health information services to the community they serve. The study also used health information acquisition model to get an understanding on how public library users seek health information. Design/methodology/approach The survey research design was chosen for the study and purposive sampling procedure was used to obtain the sample size of the population. The sample size consisted of 120 respondents and six interviewees. Data were collected from both library staff and users using questionnaires and interviews. Findings The results of the study showed that public libraries are striving to provide accurate and useful health information to members of the community by collecting and availing both print and electronic health information sources. The findings further indicated that public libraries have marketing programmes that they use on raising awareness of health information to their clientele. The marketing programmes include outreach, library brochures/leaflets, newsletters and library exhibitions. The results of the study also showed that there were some challenges that hindered the library users to access and use health information (e.g. lack of appropriateness of information resources and limited number of health information sources). Originality/value For a better dissemination of health information, public libraries should establish working relationships with health agencies and communication organisations or media houses with the objective of cooperative developments of collections, referrals and shared training.

Exploring the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge Into Public Library Services With an Inclusive Intent Using a Critical Theory Lens

2020 ◽  
pp. 266-285
Author(s):  
Maned Mhlongo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Critical Theory ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Multiple Case

Despite legislative and regulatory frameworks that have paved the way for transformation and inclusivity of public libraries in South Africa, there seems to be little or no integration of indigenous knowledge (IK). The exclusion of IK from public library services has potential to counteract efforts towards the provision of inclusive services. This chapter demonstrates how critical theory was used as a lens in a multiple case study that explored the integration of indigenous knowledge (IK) into services of public libraries in South Africa. Looking at the articulation of IK, services that are provided to ensure inclusivity, and issues that impact on IK integration in public libraries, semi-structured interviews were conducted from purposefully selected heads of provincial library services in South Africa. Thematic analysis was used. Using critical theory to frame the analysis, findings indicate understanding of aspects of IK including its oral nature. A paucity of engagement with IK as an aspect of inclusive service provision was noted.

Public library circulation records: What do they reveal about users’ reading preferences?

2020 ◽  
pp. 096100062094964
Author(s):  
Golnessa Galyani-Moghaddam ◽  
Parvin Taheri
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Bibliometric Method ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Female Youth ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Adventure Stories

This study investigates the reading preferences of young users of public libraries located in different districts of Tehran. The study uses a quantitative bibliometric method. It was carried out through an analysis of the online borrowing data recorded in the circulation departments of six Tehran public libraries ranked 3 by the Iran Public Libraries Foundation. The books borrowed by 12–18-year-old library users were analysed using Excel. The data shows that the users, regardless of their gender, preferred to borrow books not related to their coursework (non-supplementary books). Novels, adventure stories and fantasy were the genres most preferred by the users. Male and female youth, however, exhibited different reading preferences.

Public libraries and public primary school literacy: a Kenyan case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 689-701
Author(s):  
Peter Mose
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
School Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Teachers And Parents

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain how public libraries have been instrumental in early child school literacy teaching and learning. Most African public schools do not usually afford enough core textbooks and supplementary readers.Design/methodology/approachThis was a qualitative case study in Western Kenya amongst public library staff members, public primary school teachers and parents of library children clients. The following questions were addressed: What is the book situation in public primary schools in the study site? What school-type literacy-related services are offered by the sampled public library? and What are library staff members’, teachers’ and parents’ feelings about the public library services offered? Observations, interviews and document studies were used to collect data. Data were analysed thematically.FindingsPublic schools do not have enough core textbooks and the situation is worse for supplementary readers; the public library branch studied offers critical school-type literacies to school children both at the library building as well as at public schools registered with it; and library staff members, teachers, and parents express positive feelings about the services offered.Research limitations/implicationsThis was a case study whose findings might not apply to the larger situation and the study did not confirm actual literacy benefits of the library services amongst school children by, for instance, conducting literacy tests. The findings are, however, an index to the possible situation in the macro context.Practical implicationsThe relevant stakeholders should find ways of co-opting public libraries as associates of public schools in literacy teaching. This relationship is not straight forward in Kenya.Originality/valueThe findings reported are from original research.

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