User agreements and makerspaces: a content analysis
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the user agreements of makerspaces in public and academic libraries. User agreements, also known as maker agreements, user forms and liability forms, can be very important documents between library patrons, staff and faculty. User agreements are similar to the earlier creation of acceptable use policies for technology use in libraries. The author of this study will delve into the user agreements created for public and academic libraries across the USA.
Design/methodology/approach
The researcher used content analysis to investigate 24 different user agreements written for public and academic library makerspaces. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was integrated into this research to aid in the breakdown of commonalities across terms, themes and purpose within the user agreements.
Findings
Although makerspaces are a very exciting topic in the field of library science at this time, the implementation of a maker learning space is still new to many libraries. Creating a user agreement for a makerspace is newer still. Most user agreements in this study were six months to a year old. Some consistencies found across makerspace user agreements include liability waivers, permissions for minors, safety, copyright and technology replacement costs.
Originality/value
At this time, most publications on makerspaces are held in the realm of popular publications (blogs, magazines, zines, etc.). The body of peer-reviewed and scholarly research on makerspaces is growing. Makerspace user agreements are new to this growing field of interest, and a content analysis of these documents will pave the way for the writing of future forms.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank all participating librarians for their aid in making this research possible. Without them, this analysis would not have gone forward.
Citation
Moorefield-Lang, H.M. (2015), "User agreements and makerspaces: a content analysis", New Library World, Vol. 116 No. 7/8, pp. 358-368. https://doi.org/10.1108/NLW-12-2014-0144
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited