Impact of Makerspaces on Youth Development Study

Makerspaces have been a topic of interest for libraries as of late, and research has described how library makerspaces are able to impact their designated communities. However, many libraries themselves that have or want a makerspace do not explicitly state or even know the benefits makerspaces have on youth. The purpose of this study is to fill the knowledge gap between teen development and the impact makerspaces have on those developmental assets by stating how research defines and connects the two areas. In particular, this study will look at the perceptions and experiences of public librarians that work with teens and makerspaces.