Beth Marhanka
Head of the Gelardin New Media Center
Georgetown University
Don Undeen
Maker Hub Manager
Georgetown University
Makerspaces are defined less by the tools they contain, and more by the communities of practice that develop within them. But how do you build the expertise needed for your community to thrive? The Maker Neighbor and volunteer programs at the Georgetown University Library Maker Hub have resulted in a diverse, talented pool of collaborators who attract new users from all areas of the campus and the community into the library. This dynamic environment is creating opportunities for interdisciplinary work and collaboration, leading to entrepreneurial ventures and surprising innovations. From traditional research practices to research through design and creative production, the Georgetown University Library staff is supporting the processes of generating and communicating new knowledge.