Poster #30 - Makerspaces in Pre-K–12 School Libraries: A Preliminary Empirical Analysis

• In Event: 77.059 - MTCC Tuesday Poster Session 18
  In Poster Session: 77.059-3 - Learning and Instruction

Abstract

An increasing number of schools are allocating resources to create and maintain makerspaces in classrooms and libraries. Despite the widespread discussion of the benefits of making and makerspaces in school library publications [1]–[9], empirical research identifying what specific effects making and school library makerspaces have on students, teachers and the school community is scarce. Through the use of survey and secondary data, this study begins to fill this void by examining empirical data to determine the prevalence and characteristics of makerspaces in PK-12 public school libraries in a large northeastern state. Findings reveal differences in educator, library and school building characteristics that may contribute to the creation of a school library makerspace.

Author

• Shannon Mersand, University at Albany - SUNY