Library Markers Space in Academic and Public Libraries

Introduction

The University system is a multi-dynamic system been an institution that shares information and knowledge and it is a centre for discovery. The University also provides opportunity for skill acquisition and development of the students in various categories. As a result, in the word of Radniecki and Klenke (2017),universities look for ways to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and many academic libraries have begun providing access to maker resources and services. DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library became one of the first academic libraries to provide maker resources and services to anyone, regardless of discipline or even university affiliation. Therefore, a makerspace is only as vital to innovation and collaboration as its users are educated and skilled to use it. Users needed to learn how to 3D model and design in order to 3D print their own creations. They needed design and editing skills, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, to create complex designs and prototypes on the laser and vinyl cutters. Programming and hardware development skills were necessary to prototype on common makerspace electronics like Arduinos, Lego Mindstorms robotics kits, and Raspberry PisRadniecki and Klenke (2017). According to Makerspace Playbook (2013), makerspace is a physical place set aside for creative hands-on activities/ actions/ endeavors ranging from Arts and Handcrafts to Mechanics, Electronics, Web and App Development and more.

The desire to meet the unexpressed needs of our library users and to influence them to patronize and profitably engaged in the library gave birth to the idea of makerspace known as “Digital Photography and Arts Makerspace (DPAM). Since the first official makerspace convened six years ago in a library in upstate New York, libraries have remained an ideal setting for makerspace events across the country. Many offer community resources like 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies, and more. One could argue that the phenomenon of makerspaces has led to a revitalization and reimagining of libraries in a digital world. As the means of circulating and accessing digital information outside of libraries continue to grow, this renaissance for the library as a place to gather, create, and collaborate has led to benefits for the host facilities just as much, if not more, than participants. Like book clubs, workshops, and other group meetings, hosting a makerspace alongside traditional offerings in a library is fast becoming the hands-on approach to learning and developing new skills. Many libraries at colleges and universities have incorporated program-specific makerspaces into their campus curriculum, bringing students together around a topic such as robotics or a particular fine art technique. The main objective of DPAM) is to create a community of library users for creative exploration using a variety of technology tools and process within the library environment. Specifically, Support the learning and the use of emerging technologies in the library, to connect the university community to the library, market the library, share and disseminate innovative ideas and for the production of digital information.