Beyond metrics

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to developing a makerspace assessment plan. This approach focuses on connecting organizational and service point mission statements with outcome-based assessment plan goals, strategies, methods, and success measures. Design/methodology/approach This paper will outline the steps taken by an academic research library to design an outcomes-based assessment plan that monitors the human ecology of a makerspace. The paper includes a history of the space, the role of the library within the campus makerspace environment, the connection between mission statements and assessment plans, and how that connection can facilitate and drive space and service design. Findings Designing assessment plans that are centered on a makerspace mission statement can ensure that progress toward fulfilling the mission, values, and goals of the space is constantly monitored. Originality/value Academic library makerspace assessment literature is still in its infancy. This paper seeks to contribute to the literature on academic library makerspace management and stewardship.

Leveraging student expertise for niche services

“…Previously, literature on makerspaces in higher education largely focused on the development and implementation of the spaces themselves (Bagley, 2014; Herron and Kaneshiro, 2017; Moorefield-Lang, 2014; Nowlan, 2015). However, researchers and practitioners are also looking at the assessment and impact of makerspaces (Cun et al , 2019; Welch and Wyatt-Baxter, 2018), competencies and education necessary to work successfully in a makerspace (Horton, 2019; Koh and Abbas, 2015; Maceli, 2019) and their integration into the university curriculum (Cooke et al , 2018; Wallace et al , 2018).…”

One Year In: Using a Mission-Driven Assessment Plan to Enact Change in an Academic Library Makerspace

“…As detailed in a previous publication, The Foundry staff started with a mission statement, then devised goals and outcomes that would support the unit's mission and align with UTL and institution-wide missions. 4 The three broad goals of The Foundry are: (1) advance undergraduate, graduate, and faculty understanding of makerspace technology and the application of innovative production methods in educational and professional environments; (2) support interdisciplinary, constructivist learning and cooperation through strategic campus partnerships; and (3) develop and steward a safe, inclusive makerspace that represents the diverse population of faculty, students, and staff at UT. Outcomes that fall under these goals focus on (1.1) student creation; (1.2) exposure to makerspace technology; (1.3) integration of The Foundry into curriculum; (2.1) interdisciplinary constituency; and (3.1) learning environment.…”

Intrinsic motivation as a determinant of perceived usefulness of library makerspace: the influence of learning dimensions

“…Colegrove (2017) believes that the core library values, such as equitable access to information, resources, and opportunity for lifelong learning, makes the library a natural provider of makerspace. In their efforts to develop a library makerspace assessment plan, Welch and Wyatt-Baxter (2018) report that despite the availability of hands-on instruments provided for students to innovate and create, the evolution of makerspaces in academic libraries was still in its early stages, though indicating a significant educational development.…”