Establishing a makerspace in the Central Public Library in Malta

Abstract

In today's technologically advancing world, where digital literacy has become a prerequisite, the traditional library has had to transform and adapt to new technologies, thus making it relevant in the digital era. The public library, which serves an entire populace in a community, has not been exceptional in adapting to new techniques and approaches to help maintain its relevance while equipping its users with 21st-century skills. It is within this context that the concept of a makerspace emerged as a forward-thinking development in libraries. Makerspaces provide environments where individuals can engage directly with technology, encouraging creativity, innovation, and the collaborative use of shared resources. They provide an opportunity for community members to access and share technological resources and ideas, encouraging social and creative engagement. They have supported many public libraries around the world in adapting to contemporary needs, enabling them to reshape their roles and highlight their significance in today’s society. In doing so, they help promote access to practical skills, community involvement, and other outcomes that extend beyond the traditional focus on "making." While public libraries around the world have continued to re-invent themselves by introducing makerspaces, leading to a significant positive impact on the communities they serve, the Central Public Library of Malta has lagged, presently lacking a makerspace, which is critical for modern-day skills nurturing. As a result, the library has witnessed declining patronage, necessitating a need to transform its services. Consequently, this dissertation shall explore the feasibility of integrating a makerspace within CPLMALTA to enhance library engagement and support community development.