Creative space services in libraries: Makerspace service

The approaches built on creativity and production, known as Makerspace and STEM, is spreading rapidly all over the world. When foreign examples are examined, STEM and Makerspace have become the most important units of libraries. Looking at our country, innovation and creativity practices in library services have increased in recent years, but not much progress has been made in regards to STEM and Makerspace. The reason for this may be the lack of scientific studies in this area. In this study, it is aimed to develop a model proposal for libraries in addition to revealing these initiatives in our country and handling these approaches at a scientific level. In the theoretical plane, in line with this purpose, creativity, innovation, STEM, and Makerspace topics are included. On the practical plane, three public libraries where this service is offered in Turkey (Uşak İskender Pala Provincial Public Library, Muş Provincial Public Library, Kırşehir Âşık Paşa Provincial Public Library) and a university library (Sabancı University Information Center) were examined. Since there are not any school library examples in our country, this type of library could not be examined. Qualitative research method was used in the study. Data collected by semi-structured interview technique were evaluated by descriptive analysis method. The evaluation was made in the context of the elements that make up the library services (building, collection, user, staff, budget). In addition to these, a model proposal for our country was presented by examining foreign examples according to the library types (Public library, university library and school library). How to provide the service is explained, in accordance with this model, in detail in the work flow charts. While presenting the model proposal within the scope of the study, considering the fact that the devices and equipment included in the service are borrowed, draft documents such as sample borrowing minutes and damage assessment minutes were created and the titles that should be included in the user service contract were determined. Providing the Makerspace service in libraries is considered important both in terms of realizing the equal access principle, and the general mission of libraries.