New Dutch Makers

Abstract

Purpose – The current article reports the New Dutch Makers-project (Havenaar, 2016). The Library The Hague communicated the wish of the integration of a technological laboratory inside the Library Schilderswijk, which has been completed during the process of the project.

Design/methodology/approach – We propose an approach of multiple project phases in order to tackle the projects complexity. Each phase has a goal and a different approach to reach this goal. After the four main phases are completed a final evaluation phase crosschecks the goals that have been set at the beginning of the project and assesses whether these goals are met. The project has a research-through-design approach with which the local youth is involved throughout the entire design process in order to create a best as possible fit with the technological laboratory.

Originality/value –This methodology puts in evidence that integrating a technological laboratory inside a library provides the local youngsters with a place near-by to learn with, and from, others. The threshold to participate is low since the involvement of the target group throughout the process is high. Not only do the participant learn technological skills with the different machines and techniques which are provided, but the youngsters have developed themselves on social areas as well.