User Makerspaces to Build Interdisciplinary Networks in Academic Libraries

University of Memphis

Cody Behles

Emerging Technologies Librarian

Makerspace?

Also known as:fab lab, creativity studio, DIY space, hacker space, hacklab, hack space, TechShop, community workshop…..

First started in Germany in 1995 C-Space, a group of programmers sharing the same space

“Make Magazine” published in 2005

It doesn’t really matter what you call it.

Cavalcanti, G. (2013, May). Is it a Hackerspace, Makerspace, or Fablab. Makezine, Accessed September 9th, 2014.

We Exist in a World…

With A Lot of Noise

“Making” is Not New

Why Now, and Why Libraries?• LIBRARIES ARE:

• Repositories of Knowledge• Free for All• Centers for Resource Access• Community Centers• Interdisciplinary Hubs• Information Literacy Advocates

• LIBRARIES ARE ALSO:• Facing Fiscal Crises• Challenged by competing forms of access• Often undervalued

“At the heart of academic libraries lies a commitment to growth, learning, and exploration. Academic libraries in particular strive to be the intellectual hub of campus—a place where students, faculty and staff from all disciplines can gather to explore, create and gain new knowledge”-Fisher, 2012

Library Statistics 2013-2014 3D Printer Lab

Opened: April 1st, 2014 Budget: ~$10,500 (2 printers, 1 scanner, 1 computer, 100 kg

filament) Students Trained: 152 Utilization: 300 hours Departments & Units Engaged:

Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mathematics, Theatre and Dance, University Honors Program, Campus Disabilities Services, Architecture, Student Chapters of ACM and IEEE, Student Maker group, Instructional Design and Technology

Ongoing Library Technologies Initiatives: Expansion of Circulating Technologies, “Code Library”

Development, Ruby-based Social Media Harvester, Scholarly Communication training sessions

Making Networks

Network Benefits

GrantOpportunities

Stronger Relationships

Between Libraries

Expansion of Community

Partnerships

Diversification of Library

Resources

Opportunity for Experimentation

Some Things To Consider

Don’t start something because “it looks cool”

Be prepared for mice wanting cookies

This does require funding,often from nonexistent budget lines Hire people who are slightly mad,

but have fantastic ideas

Integrate the service,involve the whole library

Two Images, One Library

Conclusion: Makerspaces DO have a place in Academic Libraries

They should not be introduced without proper planning and support

They are an avenue of access to previously untapped communities

To be successful these spaces require talented individuals institutional buy-in administrative support leadership

They will redefine the image and focus of your library

Sources Please see the bibliography at:

http://www.mendeley.com/groups/3945951/maker-spaces-in-academic-libraries/