Prospects and challenges of implementing makerspace in libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

Information Technology (IT) no doubt has changed the function of the library. Libraries in Nigeria are using information technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their day-to-day library work and services. The presence of makerspace in libraries can present new challenges and considerations. In view of the above, this paper, therefore examines prospects and challenges of implementing makerspaces in Nigerian libraries. It discusses the overview of information technology and libraries. The paper also looks into the concept of makerspace. It equally discusses the prospects of makerspace in Nigerian libraries and the challenges in implementing makerspace in Nigerian libraries, which includes cost, staffing and scheduling, staff and patron training, neatness, noise and maintenance, safety and liability, copyright and intellectual property, resistance to change. It concludes that as technology is changing the dominant form of recorded thought from print to electronic, libraries must evolve to fit into the changing nature of technologies in meeting the needs of library users.