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Exploring the development of library makerspaces in China

Ming Li (Library and Information Center, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China)
Weiguo Fan (Department of Accounting and Information Systems, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA)
Xiaolan Luo (Department of Library, Shanghai University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China)

Information Discovery and Delivery

ISSN: 2398-6247

Article publication date: 21 May 2018

609

Abstract

Purpose

In response to the government’s decision to make “entrepreneurship and innovation for all” a national strategy in its 2015 annual work report, Chinese professionals in the library field have expressed a growing interest in makerspaces. This study aims to provide an overview of their current research studies and attempts in constructing makerspaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors aggregated research materials on library makerspaces in China from two sources: journal articles from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database and online news reports from the search engine Baidu.com. Content analysis was used to extract information regarding visions and perceived values, service models and technology adoption.

Findings

While a growing number of Chinese academic publications are concerned with library makerspaces, the existing research focuses on foreign cases and offers few empirical studies on domestic application scenarios. Libraries and researchers in China hold a positive and supportive attitude toward makerspaces. 3D printing is the most frequently mentioned technology, and free-to-use, promoting communication and realization of ideas and dreams are the most emphasized values. Libraries should highlight their own unique advantages and tap into their resources and services in mutually beneficial collaborations with other types of makerspaces.

Research limitations/implications

First, the results of this study cannot fully summarize the development status of makerspaces in Chinese libraries. Second, the research materials used in this study may be biased, especially the news reports.

Practical implications

This paper presents a semantic, visualized analysis of aggregated online news articles and journal articles on library makerspaces in China in an attempt to summarize their characteristics and guiding values, validate the advantages of library makerspaces and give suggestions on improving their service models.

Social implications

This paper introduces the development trend of makerspace in Chinese libraries, so that researchers at home and abroad can learn more about the development of Chinese library.

Originality/value

This study comprehensively overviews the development of library makerspaces in China. The results provide suggestions to improve maker services in library.

Keywords

Citation

Li, M., Fan, W. and Luo, X. (2018), "Exploring the development of library makerspaces in China", Information Discovery and Delivery, Vol. 46 No. 2, pp. 127-135. https://doi.org/10.1108/IDD-08-2017-0061

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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