Academic Libraries as Learning and Makerspace Environments for Library Users in Ogun State Selected University Libraries

This study examined academic libraries as learning and makerspace environments for library users in selected universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 53,942 registered library users across seven selected university libraries, while a sample of 381 respondents was selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire, and all 381 copies were retrieved and analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that academic libraries serve as effective learning environments, with a grand mean of 2.80, indicating that users benefit from quiet study spaces, access to digital resources, and support for independent learning. The study further showed a moderate level of availability and accessibility of makerspaces (x̄ = 2.59). The major challenges affecting users’ engagement with makerspaces included a lack of awareness of makerspace facilities (x̄ = 2.69), inadequate training (x̄ = 2.79), insufficient staff guidance (x̄ = 2.73), and poor infrastructure, such as unstable power and internet connectivity (x̄ = 2.75). The study concluded that although academic libraries continue to support users’ learning needs, more efforts are required to strengthen their makerspace functions. The study contributes to knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the dual role of academic libraries as learning and makerspace environments in Nigerian universities. It recommended increased awareness programmes, staff training, improved infrastructure, and adequate funding to enhance makerspace utilization and innovation among library users.