Supporting Interactive Youth Maker Programs in Public and School Libraries: Design Hypotheses and First Implementations

After six months of observation at three middle school libraries and one public library implementing Maker-oriented programs, we propose four design hypotheses derived from qualitative data analysis and initial testing through design implementation. These design hypotheses address how public and school libraries serving adolescent youth can better facilitate Maker-oriented activities and are drawn from an on-going study and design project to help libraries develop interactive, technologically enriched spaces and programs to support youth exploration and creativity. Each hypothesis is illustrated with examples drawn from our observations of libraries before and after maker programs were introduced.