Public libraries loom large in the public imagination, yet most people are uncertain about how libraries will function in the future. The mission of librarians, according to Dave Lankes<http://quartz.syr.edu/blog/>, is to improve society through facilitating knowledge creation in their communities. Makerspaces are one way to do exactly this. Makerspaces have low barriers to artistic expression, provide support for creating and collaborating, and generally foster a peer-to-peer, informal learning network. Makers are tech-junkies, tinkerers, artists, crafters, engineers, educators, librarians, and children - anyone with a do-it-yourself ethos.
Discussion details In this informal get together, 2013 Library Journal Mover & Shaker Lauren Britton<https://twitter.com/LMBritton> will lead a discussion on the concepts, theory, and ideology behind the maker movement, and examine if the public library creates a unique platform for community and civic engagement, through making. Lauren is a visiting researcher working with TASCHA<http://tascha.uw.edu/> this summer (in Seattle just this one week) to advance research on innovation spaces<http://tascha.uw.edu/projects/innovation-spaces/>. Students interested in this topic and the possibility of contributing to this next academic year are especially encouraged to attend. * What: Libraries & Makerspaces: A Revolution? * When: Wednesday, June 11th, 1-2pm * Where: Mary Gates Hall (MGH) 420, University of Washington campus About the discussion leader Lauren Britton, MLIS, is a doctoral student at Syracuse University in Information Science and Technology and a researcher for the Information Institute of Syracuse. As a leader in the library makerspace movement, Britton has worked with libraries across the globe to build these transformative spaces. Britton's current research is centered on digital media and learning, with a focus on integrating theory and practice. Britton is passionate about the future of libraries and has authored a number of articles and frequently presents on the subject for international conferences and webinars. Britton was selected as a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2013<http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/03/people/movers-shakers-2013/lauren-britton-movers-shakers-2013-innovators/>. Connect with Lauren on Twitter @LMBritton<https://twitter.com/LMBritton>. -- Melody Clark Communications Specialist Technology & Social Change (TASCHA) [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> | 206.303.7910 Twitter: @taschagroup<https://twitter.com/taschagroup> | @melodyrclark<https://twitter.com/#!/melodyrclark> tascha.uw.edu<http://tascha.uw.edu/>
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