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Aligning Academic Library Makerspaces with Digital Literacy Education Spaces

Yunkeum Chang 1

1숙명여자대학교

Excellent Accredited

ABSTRACT

As makerspaces continue to be introduced in academic libraries in Korea, this study explores potential operating strategies of, and long-term justifications for, makerspaces as digital literacy eduational spaces and services at academic libraries. By examining related literature reviews and case studies of makerspaces, this study analyzes various programs and their respective creation, funding, development, and outcomes, including educational value and library-specific goals such as digital literacy and lifelong learning. This study also considers the perspectives of librarians at academic libraries in Korea who were asked about the purpose, impact, and limitations of makerspaces. Certain common themes appear: for example, it is necessary for makerspaces to resolve challenges related to stable funding, as well as staffing and training of professional librarians assisting with the on-the-ground operation of makerspaces. This study proposes that designing makerspaces for an academic library setting goes deeper than providing a collaborative environment with access to new technologies like 3D printers and laser cutters, and it may be uniquely appropriate to draw connections to libraries’ objectives to provide digital literacy education and universities’ mission to foster innovation and creativity among students.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.