Abstract:
PURPOSE : Much has been published on makerspaces: the history, development and progress and how
they are used – stories of successes and opinions on their potential. The purpose of this paper is to
comment on such publications within the library and information science (LIS) literature and to warn
libraries to not only focus on providing physical spaces and tools but to explore the bigger potential
of extended, interconnected spaces for information and information resources and “mutations” of
makerspaces such as makerlearning.
DESIGN /METHODOLODY /APPROACH : The contribution is based on a pragmatic and reflective analysis
of the LIS literature on makerspaces. The questions are: what to make of the literature, and what needs
to be done to enrich the subject literature to support an interconnected approach to makerspaces and
information resources and information support?
FINDINGS : There is a very strong focus in the literature on libraries as physical spaces for
makerspaces, the planning, provision, maintenance and how-we-do-it approaches. Although very
important this does not sufficiently explore an interconnection between makerspaces and an expanded
information-related involvement of libraries, e.g. in information literacy training, guided inquiry,
bridging the digital divide, research (embedded librarianship) and community support.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS / IMPLICATIONS There are many publications on makerspaces in the LIS
literature. They however, mostly do not reflect on the opportunities to take a more holistic look at the
potential of makerspaces in libraries interconnected to the use of information resources, and
information-related support and intervention from libraries.
ORIGINALITY /VALUE : Although there are many papers on makerspaces the purpose of this
contribution is to focus on extended input from libraries.
