Makerspace: The National Institute of Education Library experience

Abstract

As part of National Institute of Education (NIE) Library’s LIBRIS21 strategic master plan to transform the Library, NIE Library seized the opportunity to engage users by providing value-adding Library services through the implementation of a makerspace in 2014. This paper aims to share National Institute of Education (NIE) Library’s experience and learning points in the implementation of the makerspace. With increasing interest in makerspaces and its potential in Libraries, a number of Libraries have been exploring the introduction of makerspace within library premises. NIE Library launched the makerspace in 2014 with the aim to provide an avenue to encourage NIE community to: - Embrace the spirit of experimentation, innovation and creativity. - Learn how emerging technologies can bring their creation to life.

The makerspace is equipped with a 3D printer that allows users to perform rapid prototyping of their design ideas and projects. Besides the ability to print professional quality 3D artefacts, the 3D printer is also environmentally friendly as the filament used for printing 3D objects is a form of renewable bioplastic (polylactic acid or PLA) derived from plants. Ever since the makerspace was launched in 2014, NIE Library has seen huge interest from the NIE community and visitors.

This paper will share NIE’s experience in the implementation of makerspace. In particular, the observations, impacts, challenges, benefits and learning points of having makerspace in the Library are examined for discussion, further exploration and future developments.