Hi All, I am writing a brief on innovation spaces<http://facilitatingchange.org/2011/11/innovation-grounds/>for the Beyond Access: Libraries Powering Development <http://www.beyondaccess.net/>initiative. This also builds on exploration into this topic at the Technology & Social Change group, at the University of Washington Information School.
So I wanted to share with you my draft description of coworking. It's below. I'm using an "open-notebook" approach to write the brief. You can see and comment on it<https://docs.google.com/a/facilitatingchange.org/document/d/1nedkdrvD3zP8g5eiFSVdAWYJHKOkFxZ86jXTIA7r8as/edit#>in all its messiness :) There are also descriptions of hackerspaces, fablabs, and telecentres. I'm really pleased about this because I was able to use the experiences of being a member and volunteer for Station C in Montreal and mix them with my international development work. Here's to more coworking spaces around the world -- and more embedded into development initiatives and public libraries! Cheers, Christine ---- *Coworking* — A coworking is a space where independent professionals (“free agents”), entrepreneurs, and employees with locational flexibility can work, connect, and host meetings and events. Coworking can also be an informal event — a “jelly” — that temporarily gathers a group of workers in a public space, private home, or business. Typical coworking spaces have an open-concept interior layout, with tables, desks, meeting rooms, and eating/lounging areas. WiFi is always included and most provide basic office equipment. Workers can become members with a dedicated desk, or pay a drop-in rate and use whatever space is available. Coworking emerged in response to the emotional and professional needs of independent knowledge workers, in particular the need — the need for social interaction, ad-hoc feedback and support, and work/meeting spaces that are flexible, affordable, and project a professional image. Benefits include increased productivity, work quality, and opportunities. Coworking spaces are distinguished by their members’ commitment to a core set of values (collaboration, openness, and diversity, among others), an innovative and creative spirit, and activities that foster community, serendipity, and civic engagement. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/coworking/-/Gwiw6ysrszMJ. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en.
