Evaluating Makerspaces: Exploring methods used to assess the outcomes of public library makerspaces

Abstract

Research Problem: This study explores how public libraries assess the outcomes of makerspaces, and examines whether the approaches taken can be justified as appropriate. An increasing number of public libraries throughout the world are establishing makerspaces, and to date there does not appear to be literature on how outcomes of these services are assessed. This study explores the methods that are being used, making comparisons to best practice revealed in the literature.

Methodology: A two-case case-study design was selected. Literal replication logic was used, whereby cases with similar contextual environments were chosen for comparison. The Central City Library makerspace (Auckland Libraries, New Zealand) and the 4th Floor (Chattanooga Public Library, Tennessee, USA) were selected. The study collected evidence from documents, archival records, and 11 interviewees.

Results: The findings revealed that while efforts are being made to assess the outcomes of makerspaces, methods and techniques are primarily informal. Current formal reporting relies upon quantitative measurement, such as visitor or participant numbers, which fails to capture the effects of the service on users.

Implications: The implication is that staff may develop more structured and formalised approaches to assessing the outcomes of makerspaces. Further research could include the design of a prototypical outcomes assessment model that is then tested on a public library makerspace to determine the practicality of the approach.