Users' Experiences in a Regional Academic Library Makerspace

Abstract

ABSTRACT Makerspaces are still emerging service offerings and establishments within libraries and on university campuses. They provide equipment and expertise for hands-on projects and skill-building, especially around digital fabrication. This paper presents findings from a qualitative case study of a makerspace in a regional university Library at the University of Southern Queensland. It explores users’ experiences of participation and value across three usage types in the Makerspace: course curriculum, extracurricular, and research. To understand users’ experiences within the space a visual research method was adopted alongside semi-structured interviews. This facilitated a participant-driven dialogue and adding depth to the data collected. A reflexive thematic analysis of interview transcripts was undertaken from which five themes were developed. These were: a tentative start, practical need, skills development, community connection, and influencing outlook. The resulting themes presented a narrative of users’ participation that started with tentative curiosity and hesitancy around using the Makerspace, but ultimately saw participants finding value in new perspectives and skills.