Making a makerspace case for academic libraries in Nigeria

Purpose - This paper aims to give a highlight on the concept of makerspace and its perceived benefits in academic libraries in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - The searches encompass current journal articles, books, newspapers, magazines, personal experiences on the concept of makerspace, 3D-printing and technologies in libraries. Practical examples of libraries that already have makerspaces in operation were sourced. Findings - Findings of this study create awareness of benefits, challenges and strategies for developing and managing makerspaces in Nigerian academic libraries, using Zenith Library as a hypothetical sample. Research limitations/implications - Only the proposal guide has been drafted. There is need for more investigations on the awareness of, and plan to adopt makerspace technologies in Nigerian academic libraries. Practical implications - Librarians need to appreciate the makerspace technologies and forge ahead in establishing makerspace in strategic areas of their libraries which should serve as a meeting point for all users in the university community, and for the sharing of innovative ideas. Social implications - There is need for a paradigm shift in Nigerian university libraries, hence the shift in librarians' thinking and approach to find their place in the new maker movement. Originality/value - The originality of the paper lies in its justification for establishing makerspace in Nigerian academic libraries alongside the drafted proposal which has been designed to serve as a guide to libraries in Nigeria, as no makerspace has been documented to be existing in any Nigerian library.