Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
The use of school library makerspace by secondary school students could enhance their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Technology (STEAM). However, findings from empirical studies have revealed that the level of makerspace use by students in Nigeria seems to be low. This seemingly low level of makerspace use by students could be attributed to the perceived usefulness of makerspace from their perspective and their attitude towards innovation. Thus, this study examined the influence of these factors on the use of school library makerspace. The descriptive design of the correlational type was used and the study population consisted of 175 students of the Vale College, Ibadan, Nigeria, which is a secondary school that has a school library with a makerspace. The total enumeration technique was used to collect data from all the students with the aid of questionnaire. Data was analysed with the use of frequency counts, percentages, correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results showed that most of the respondents perceived the makerspace as useful, while they also had a positive attitude towards innovation. The most used tool in the makerspace was the furniture and the least used was the 3D scanner. Findings revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between perceived usefulness and use of makerspace and also between attitude towards innovation and use of makerspace. There was a joint significant influence of perceived usefulness and attitude towards innovation on the use of makerspace by the secondary school students. However, it was attitude towards innovation that had the greatest influence on the use of makerspace by the respondents. Based on the findings, it was recommended that school librarians and subject teachers should use every opportunity they have to encourage the students to use makerspace in order to enhance their STEAM skills.