The aim of this thesis is to examine how makerspaces in libraries are implemented and how representatives of the maker movement in libraries think that makerspace activities relate to libraries’ role and tasks in society.

The theoretical framework is based on two models for library development presented from 2011 and 2012 by the Danish researchers Henrik Jochumsen, Casper Hvenegaard Rasmussen and Dorte Skot-Hansen. In this study we chose a qualitative approach. The methods consist of semi structured interviews that we conducted and a qualitative content analysis to interpret the results.

The results show that the interviewees take a similar stand as they argue that libraries are facing a paradigm shift, where a challenge could be moving from literature to digital literacy. Makerspaces can contribute to develop libraries, first of all by helping them to fulfill their main task in society, which is promoting democracy. They can also encourage collaborative learning and digital inclusion in a public meeting place. Interviewees also saw makerspaces as a tool to develop libraries partnerships in the local community.