LevelUP - Study the Makerspace Community

The Makerspace will hire two students who are a part of the Library's Makerspace community to explore the following research questions: What attracts users to the Makerspace? What are some characteristics of the Makespace community demographic? How does the community function? How can we encourage and grow the community while increasing the feelings of connection and belonging? How can we make the space more welcoming to those traditionally excluded in academic contexts? Specifically, how can we welcome and encourage members of the disabled, neurodiverse and LGBTQIA2+ communities to feel safe and a sense of belonging within the maker community. Additionally, if there are ways to make the Makerspace more welcoming to people who may feel nervous about their abilities with technology.