The business case of FryskLab, Europe’s first mobile library FabLab

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the emergence of the mobile library FabLab FryskLab, a project of Bibliotheekservice Fryslân (BSF). There will be special attention on how the business case has been established.

Design/methodology/approach

The author examines the broader development of (mobile) FabLabs in libraries. Based on the description of sub-projects that together make the project FryskLab the approach of BSF is described.

Findings

The design of a mobile library lab speaks to many people’s imagination. However, achieving a sound business case requires a lot more than just driving around in a bus and providing practical workshops. Developing supporting projects is necessary.

Originality/value

At this time most publications on mobile library makerspaces are held in the realm of popular publications (blogs, magazines). Very little has been written on a wider range of case studies where mobile library makerspaces have been integrated into library services. This paper serves as an insight on how BSF developed the FryskLab project.

Citation

de Boer, J. (2015), "The business case of FryskLab, Europe’s first mobile library FabLab", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 33 No. 4, pp. 505-518. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-06-2015-0059