Current trends and goals in the development of makerspaces at New England college and research libraries

Abstract

This study investigates why and which types of college and research libraries (CRLs) are currently developing makerspaces (or an equivalent space) for their communities. Based on an online survey and phone interviews with a sample population of CRLs in New England, I found that 26 CRLs had or were in the process of developing a makerspace in this region. In addition, several other CRLs were actively promoting and diffusing the maker ethos. Of these libraries, most were motivated to promote open access to new technologies, literacies, and STEM-related knowledge.