Willett, R. (2016). Making, Makers, and Makerspaces: A Discourse Analysis of Professional Journal Articles and Blog Posts about Makerspaces in Public Libraries. The Library Quarterly, 86(3), 313-329
Available at https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/686676
Pre-publication and free download available at https://www.academia.edu/12688716/Making_makers_and_makerspaces_a_discourse_analysis_of_professional_journal_articles_and_blog_posts_about_makerspaces_in_public_libraries
Abstract
Focusing on current discussions about public library makerspaces, this article reveals how common themes are being discursively constructed in relation to the future of public libraries, maker cultures, and informal learning. The analysis highlights tensions and questions that emerge through the discursive construction of making, makers, and makerspaces in the field of library and information studies. The article employs discourse analysis to examine professional library journal articles and blog posts published from 2011–14 that focus on makerspaces in public libraries. The first part of the article reviews literature in relation to the history of maker movements and research on informal learning. These areas provide the context for the analysis of makerspace discourse in the second half of the article. The analysis highlights the importance of viewing public library makerspaces as connected with the mission of providing access to resources to meet the needs of diverse communities.