Makerspace-the future of public libraries
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Divya Chivukula (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Stoel Burrowes
Abstract: Public libraries have always been regarded as the center of knowledge and information, but today the same public libraries have been challenged by the rise of mobile technology and digitization. Public libraries are facing a design shift in their focus from storing books to an active public space of learning which involves more engaging and reading. This thesis addresses the need for citizens to manifest the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to take part in a complex and increasingly digitized world of personal and societal prosperity. Digital competence significantly involves communication, collaboration, content creation, and problem-solving. The definition of digital skill underscores confident, productive, creative and critical use of digital technologies for diverse purposes in various social contexts and with multiple tools (Ala-Mutka, 2011). Presently, there is a lack of knowledge, on creating learning opportunities for digital literacies that are inclusive for diverse learners with different capabilities and interests, which can accommodate different personal situations, objectives and combine, for example, formal and everyday learning practices (Erstad et al., 2016). This research aims at understanding makerspaces and public library makerspaces, including the people and practices involved in these spaces. Makerspaces align with the fact that public libraries meet the needs and interests of their local communities. This research employs site visits, case studies, and analysis to examine the journal articles and blog posts published from 2008 to 2015 that focus on makerspaces and public libraries. The first part of the research highlights the literature concerning the history of making through Maker concept, Maker Movement. The methodology reviews the mission of providing access to digital resources in public library makerspaces in order to meet the needs of diverse communities. The analysis highlights some of the benefits and issues that emerge through the new trend of making and makerspaces in the field of Public Libraries. The researcher provides a review of library makerspaces both in India and North America, which are supported by several case studies. This thesis reimagines a public library, by evaluating a design that engages and responds to the local community it supports.
Makerspace-the future of public libraries
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Created on 5/1/2019
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2019
- Keywords
- Digitization, Library Makerspaces, Maker Movement History, Makerspaces, Making, Transformation
- Subjects
- Public libraries $x Aims and objectives
- Public libraries $x Activity programs
- Libraries and community
- Makerspaces in libraries
- Maker movement