Work

Democratizing technology in a public library: A nexus analytical inquiry into a Hebocon maker activity

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Despite a proliferation of digitally enhanced makerspaces in public libraries, there is an acute need for libraries to explore new strategies to broaden the engagement of diverse groups, especially those who do not see themselves as technology oriented. This qualitative nexus analytical inquiry analyses multimodal data from a Hebocon robot-making activity situated in a Finnish public library makerspace, targeting library and youth workers as participants. The findings illuminate how the Hebocon format helped to promote the democratization of technology and the inclusion of novices in robot-making activities, enhancing practice change by creating a safe space in which the participants felt confident about experimenting and being creative. This study contributes to research on maker practices and formats aligned with public libraries' mission particularly from the perspective of robot-making event organization, showcasing the value of the nexus analysis framework to guide research in this area.

Source: Library & Information Science Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.lisr.2024.101303

Authors: Eva Durall Gazulla, Anu Kajamaa, Marianne Kinnula, Netta Iivari, Teemu Leinonen, Kiyoshi Suganuma

Institutions: University of Oulu, Aalto University

Language: English

Topic: Library Science and Administration

Subfield: Library and Information Sciences

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,520

Funders: European Commission, Academy of Finland, Oulun Yliopisto, Horizon 2020