Universally Accessible Makerspace Recommendation to the District of Columbia Public Library
Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and the Inclusive Future of Libraries
ISBN: 978-1-78560-653-3, eISBN: 978-1-78560-652-6
Publication date: 14 December 2015
Abstract
Purpose
The maker movement is showing signs of gaining popularity as it matures. As information institutions, libraries find themselves admirably positioned to serve as hosts for formal makerspaces that encourage turning ideas into reality. Though equipment for innovation is becoming more affordable and therefore more available for general use, many products do not include accessible design, which hinders the significant population of potential inventors who have disabilities. This chapter seeks to provide guidance to organizations that want to implement universally accessible makerspaces.
Methodology/approach
This chapter is the result of a semester-long project in which students at the University of Maryland worked with a local library seeking to build a new universally accessible makerspace. Article reviews, interviews, and solicitations for information from the field helped form the understanding and suggestions provided in this project.
Findings
Interaction with field experts led to specific suggestions for library staff on policy, equipment, and staffing.
Social implications
Accessible makerspaces make it possible for anyone to exercise creative endeavors by providing equipment and materials that encourage innovation regardless of ability.
Originality/value
Literature about universally accessible library-owned makerspaces is very scarce. This chapter serves to bring together writing and practice in both universal accessibility and makerspaces to provide a starting point for other institutions considering implementing similar services.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgments
Our team expresses thanks to Rachel Meit and Patrick Timony for allowing us to work on this project. Their responsiveness and willingness to share their insights has helped guide us during the semester. We also thank our many correspondents: Holly Arnason of the Edmonton Public Library; Stacy Branham of UMBC; Leah Findlater of the University of Maryland; Mark Gelsomino of the Ottawa Public Library; Amy Hurst of UMBC; and John Huth of the Brooklyn Public Library.
Citation
Moeller, R., Bastiansen, C., Gates, L. and Subramaniam, M. (2015), "Universally Accessible Makerspace Recommendation to the District of Columbia Public Library", Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and the Inclusive Future of Libraries (Advances in Librarianship, Vol. 40), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 33-50. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0065-283020150000040010
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015 Emerald Group Publishing Limited