MURAL - Maynooth University Research Archive Library



    Learning from making and doing: taking the makerspaces to the next level at Maynooth University


    Arnold, Sarah, Campbell, Heidi, Cullen, Marie G. and Morley, Fiona (2025) Learning from making and doing: taking the makerspaces to the next level at Maynooth University. SCONUL: The modern library: technology-enhanced library spaces.

    [thumbnail of MU sconul.pdf]
    Preview
    Text
    MU sconul.pdf
    Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike.

    Download (805kB) | Preview

    Abstract

    What do you do when you already have one makerspace that is well-used and popular? Answer – create an even better one! And then start thinking about what other types of content need to be created and embark on a Media Lab to complement this. This is exactly the journey that Maynooth University is currently embarking on. From its launch in 2015, the Makerspace developed a well-used 3D printing service which continued up until the pandemic when it had to be put on hold as a library-based service. The recommencement of the service in 2022 coincided with staff moving on and recruitment of new staff giving the impetus to take the services to another level. This has led to a successful bid to create a new, more ambitious makerspace, and as well as opening up new opportunities, the most significant of these to date being the collaboration with the Media Studies department and other interested parties to launch a Media Lab. Building on their experience the team have been able to make the case for good locations for both the new Makerspace and Media Lab, putting their ‘lessons learned’ to good use. Extensive and imaginative use of social media channels has helped to embed the Makerspace within the university conscience and opened up avenues for collaboration. Through the Makerspace, the library has been able to offer creative and practical support to an expanding portfolio of research projects across the university as well as being an active supporter in undergraduate recruitment.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: making and doing; makerspaces; next level; Maynooth University;
    Academic Unit: University Library
    Item ID: 20030
    Depositing User: IR Editor
    Date Deposited: 20 Jun 2025 11:23
    Journal or Publication Title: SCONUL: The modern library: technology-enhanced library spaces
    Publisher: SCONUL
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    URI: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/20030
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

    Repository Staff Only (login required)

    Item control page
    Item control page

    Downloads

    Downloads per month over past year

    Origin of downloads