Awareness and Use of Library Makerspaces among Library Professionals in India: A Study

Akhtar Hussain; Faizul Nisha

doi:10.14429/djlit.37.2.10989

Akhtar Hussain Librarian & Information officer, e-Learning & Distance Learning Dept., King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Faizul Nisha Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Metcalfe House, New Delhi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.37.2.10989

Keywords: Makerspaces, Maker movement, Libraries, Library as space, Library programs, Content creation, Fabrication

Abstract

The paper examines the awareness and use of library makerspaces. A well-structured questionnaire was used for collection of data. Around 700 questionnaires were distributed among the Indian library professionals. A total of 500 filled in questionnaires were received, out of which, only 470 questionnaires were selected for analysis of the data. The overall response rate was 67.14 %. The result of the study demonstrates that among all users, 70% male and 30% female are aware of library’s makerspaces. Majority of users utilising library makerspaces are pursuing master’s degree. It has been found that nearly all of the academic libraries employees are using makerspaces facilities. Maximum number of respondents’ (68.09%) using makerspaces facilities for academic and research purposes and reported them as a tool to educate students for the local and global economy (42.55%). When asked respondents about the state-of-the-art tools, technologies or forms for creating makerspaces, 44.68% of respondents claimed that their makerspaces have computer workstations. Approximately, 51.06% respondents indicated that their library’s makerspaces offer students workshops/seminars/conferences. Furthermore, the study reflects that maximum number of respondents, i.e., 36% understand the significance of library makerspaces and evaluated them as “valuable”.

Author Biographies

Akhtar Hussain, Librarian & Information officer, e-Learning & Distance Learning Dept., King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Dr Akhtar Hussain has completed PhD in Library and Information Science, DLIS, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. He has about 7 years experience at King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Earlier he was working as Assistant Librarian (IBA Bangalore) and Teaching Assistant (C.C.S.U., Meerut). He has written 5 books and published 50 articles in international as well as national journals, conference proceedings, and books. He is in the editorial board of many national as well as international peer reviewed journals such as, Indian Journal of Knowledge Management, International Journal of Digital Library Services, and e-Library Science Research Journal.

Faizul Nisha, Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Metcalfe House, New Delhi

Dr Faizul Nisha is working as Technical Officer in DESIDOC, DRDO, New Delhi. She holds MSc (Environmental Sciences), MLISc (Gold Medalist) and is PhD from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. She is the recipient of Harikrishan Ahluwalia Gold Medal and University Medal for securing highest marks in MLISc and qualified UGC-JRF in 2012. She has 36 articles to her credit including many in Emerald, Library Philosophy & Practice and also in various national and international conferences.So far, she has authored 2 books. She is in editorial board of many national as well as International peer reviewed journals including International Journal of Information Sources and Services. She is also a reviewer for Electronic Library and Information Processing Letters, and also a member of major professional associations like Indian Library Association (ILA) and Indian Association of Special Libraries and Information Centres (IASLIC),etc. Her areas of interest are:E-journals, e-resources, institutional repository, digital library and IT application in libraries, plagarism and reference management.