Network
Network
in make-a-thek
Network connects the library to users, local experts, makers, organisations, schools, businesses and community groups. These relationships bring knowledge, materials, skills and opportunities into the space and help sustain it over time.
Beginner
Identify current and potential users, local experts and relevant organisations. Start building relationships through conversations, mapping activities and small collaborations.
Intermediate
Develop recurring partnerships with clear roles and shared goals. Involve local actors in activities, material collection, training and community engagement.
Advanced
Build a resilient and mutually supportive ecosystem in which partners and community members contribute knowledge, resources and opportunities, while the library actively shares its own experience with others.
How to work on your network
How to build local partnerships with organizations, artists, start-ups, and more.
How to use this resource: Use this resource to develop local partnerships around your make-a-thek space. It helps you identify useful organisations, clarify shared goals, define roles and build collaborations with artists, schools, start-ups, associations and others.
Discover the hero resource
How to Map Your Users
A simple method to identify and understand your current and potential user base.
How to use this resource: Use this resource to identify current and potential users of your make-a-thek space. It helps you reflect on who already participates, who is missing, what different groups may need, and how to design more relevant activities.
Working with communities
Best practices in community outreach and communication strategies.
How to use this resource: Use this resource to plan community engagement in a more intentional way. It helps you understand local needs, build trust, involve different groups, design accessible formats and avoid treating participation as simple attendance.
How to map local experts
How to identify local professionals and creatives who could contribute to your project.
How to use this resource: Use this resource to identify people in your local area who could contribute skills, knowledge or support to your make-a-thek. Map makers, artists, repairers, designers, craftspeople, educators, volunteers and informal community experts.
Network of Experts
How to find local skill mediators, circular collaborators and community talents for your make-a-thek project
How to use this resource: Use this resource when you need facilitators, skill mediators or collaborators for activities. It helps you think beyond formal experts and include local talents, circular practitioners, community connectors and people with lived experience.
Basic practices for inclusiveness
Tips and guidelines to foster participation, belonging and representation for diverse user groups.
How to use this resource: Use this resource to make participation more welcoming and representative. It offers practical suggestions on outreach, language, facilitation, scheduling, economic access, shared resources and belonging for diverse user groups.
Don't know what to download?
Not sure which resources to explore or download? We’re here to help. Take the questionnaire to assess your level, and we’ll recommend the most suitable activities for your needs.
Assess your level with questionnaire