What does the "maker culture" mean for science centres?

Feature article by Andy Lloyd published in Spokes#0, spring 2013

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For many people, the inner workings of most technology they own is a complete mystery. However, there is a growing chorus of disapproval which considers this to be a poor state of affairs. This is the voice of “maker culture”.

Author Andy Lloyd from the International Centre for Life (Newcstle, UK) is convinved that the maker culture isn't a fad. He argues that maker culture and its empowerment of participants, is an indication of where science centres are heading. Particularly for institutions like Life, who are not tied to a historic collection, supporting and sustaining the maker movement can give us a renewed sense of purpose.