University of Oklahoma (University of Oklahoma, School of Library and Information Studies)

The University of Oklahoma will research the current state of programming, design, and accessibility of makerspace programs for youth with disabilities and develop inclusive makerspace principles. Project activities will include conducting a nationwide survey and interviews with librarians to explore the prevalence of making programming for youth with disabilities in public libraries; visiting library makerspaces to examine best practices that provide inclusive programming; interviewing youth with disabilities and their caregivers; creating a set of design principles for inclusive programming; and disseminating findings through online training materials for library professionals. The project will result in practical and applicable design principles for inclusive library makerspace and maker programming for youth with disabilities and replicable training modules for inclusive makerspace programming at public libraries. Project beneficiaries will include youth with disabilities and their families, public librarians, and researchers.