Hackerspaces: Making The Maker Movement by Sarah R. Davies

The Blurb On The Back:

A new industrial revolution. The age of making. From bits to atoms. Many people are excited by the possibilities offered by new fabrication technologies like 3D printers, and the ways in which they are being used in hacker and makerspaces. But why is the power of hacking and making an idea whose time has come?

Hackerspaces: Making The Maker Movement takes the rise of the maker movement as its starting point. Hacker and makerspaces, Fab Labs, and DIY bio spaces are emerging all over the world. Based on a study of hacker and makerspaces across the US, this book explores cultures of hacking and making in the context of wider social changes, arguing that excitement about the maker movement is not just about the availability of new technologies, but the kind of citizens we are expected to be.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Sarah R Davies is Assistant Professor in the Department of Media, Cognition and Communication at the University of Copenhagen and in this fascinating and informative (if USA-centric) book she examines why people get involved in the maker/hacker movement, how the hacker/maker spaces are organised and run (including how exclusive/inclusive it is), the wider trends within the movement and how the movement considers itself against wider culture.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.