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Makerspace is a place where library users can try out and use equipment, devices and tools for various purposes free of charge. This service has become very common in public libraries around the world in the last decade, while in Slovenia there are currently only two public libraries that have experience in developing makerspaces. The paper provides an overview of the development of makerspaces, their purpose and position in public libraries. It also presents some examples of successful makerspaces in public libraries. Special attention is given to service planning of makerspaces and the elements that are critical to their successful operation. Three groups of stakeholders involved in makerspace planning are presented - users, local community, staff and volunteers. Along with recommendations for physical space and equipment in makerspaces, we present a list of equipment with appropriate devices, tools and materials that covers the most common activities in makerspaces. This is the first paper on makerspaces in Slovenia that comprehensively addresses this service in public libraries. It can serve as a starting point for reflection both before the decision to set up a makerspace and in the process of planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Makerspace is a place where library users can try out and use equipment, devices and tools for various purposes free of charge. This service has become very common in public libraries around the world in the last decade, while in Slovenia there are currently only two public libraries that have experience in developing makerspaces. The paper provides an overview of the development of makerspaces, their purpose and position in public libraries. It also presents some examples of successful makerspaces in public libraries. Special attention is given to service planning of makerspaces and the elements that are critical to their successful operation. Three groups of stakeholders involved in makerspace planning are presented - users, local community, staff and volunteers. Along with recommendations for physical space and equipment in makerspaces, we present a list of equipment with appropriate devices, tools and materials that covers the most common activities in makerspaces. This is the first paper on makerspaces in Slovenia that comprehensively addresses this service in public libraries. It can serve as a starting point for reflection both before the decision to set up a makerspace and in the process of planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A public library is aimed to provide services to all age groups of a community. Thus, it should attempt to meet the specific needs of each user age group. The article is based on the empirical analysis of statistical data of the Bežigrad Public Library for the year 2007, a year before the integration of all Ljubljana public libraries and the merge of membership database took place. The lending of library collection arranged by the potential user age groups was analysed and consequently the suitability of shelf arrangement was evaluated. The results showed the circulation of users in the individual library departments when borrowing fiction or non-fiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]