12 · Survey Results: Executive Summary
material and, conversely, help make material
objects into information.
Libraries support the research process. Use
of fabrication technologies requires a core set
of skills and knowledge (such as databases of
models) outside of specific research domains
and requires skills and knowledge that are
not in the sole domain of any one discipline.
Libraries promote literacy broadly. Use
of fabrication technologies promotes de-
sign, science, technology, engineering, art,
and mathematics.
Libraries are responsible for maintaining the
scholarly record. The data, digitizations, de-
signs, and models produced as part of rapid
fabrication approaches can constitute unique
and valuable parts of the scholarly record.
Libraries provide commonly accessible physi-
cal spaces designed for research and learn-
ing. Successful makerspaces bring together
accessible locations, thoughtfully designed
space, curated hardware and software,
skilled staff, local information management,
and global “reference” knowledge.
Survey Highlights
The goal of this survey was to gather information for
senior library staff to support decisions related to en-
gagement with 3-D printing, rapid fabrication and
digitization technologies, and makerspaces, in gen-
eral, and in particular to inform decisions regarding
the types of service offerings libraries can provide,
resources needed, and evaluation of the service. These
results are based on 64 responses from the 124 ARL
member libraries (52%) by the deadline of June 12, 2015.
Service Offerings
Makerspaces appear to be of significant interest to
ARL libraries. A substantial majority of the respond-
ing libraries (41, or 64%) are currently engaged with
makerspace service deployment (providing, pilot-
ing, or planning the service). Another 11 (17%) plan
to investigate these services in the future. Only 12
respondents have no plans to enter this domain (Q1).
The respondents that are currently engaged with mak-
erspace service deployment were asked to complete
the survey. The others were directed to a question
on futurecasting.
Of those libraries engaged in makerspaces, the
majority offer, or plan to offer, a combination of core
services including reference, training, hardware,
scanning, and model repository, while a substantial
minority are also engaged in collection development
around 3-D models (Q5). In addition to these core
services, almost all of these libraries offer, or plan to
offer, use of 3-D printers. More than four-fifths sup-
port 3-D design and conversion software, and more
than three-quarters provide 3-D scanners (Q13, Q15).
While only a minority of these libraries offer ad-
ditional hardware and services beyond 3-D printers
and scanners, the breadth of technologies being ex-
plored is impressive (Q5, Q13, Q15). The responding
libraries support a wide range of CAD, visualization,
animation, drawing, and audio production software,
as well as software specific to scanning and printing
systems. They provide an even wider range of hard-
ware, including hand tools (carpentry tools, sewing
tools, soldering irons, and 3-D pens) electronics (mi-
crocontrollers, electronic kits, motors, wearable/soft
circuits, and sensors) visualization equipment (digital
globes, virtual reality goggles, digital surfaces, and vi-
sualization walls) subtractive fabrication (laser cutters
and CNCs) large mechanical tools (drill presses, and
industrial sewing machines) large format printers
and scanners and drones.
These hardware and software offerings are sup-
ported with online resources, reference services, and
training sessions. Almost all of the responding li-
braries offer, or plan to offer, in-person technology
training and skill-building sessions. Approximately
three-quarters use LibGuides or other resources, sup-
ply documentation, or provide reference services (fo-
cusing on design, models, and software) to support
hardware and software use (Q17, Q18, Q19, Q22).
Implementation and Resources
Libraries investigate makerspaces for a variety of rea-
sons, most commonly because library staff or admin-
istration recommended developing these services,
or because they were identified as a priority during
strategic, space, or renovation planning (Q2). While
direct user requests and user need evaluations were a
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