A Case Study for Community Building in an Academic Library Context - The Evolution of the Fibre Arts Technology Club (FAT club) Before, During and After COVID: Building Community through Creativity and Healing
My Session Status
When:
3:45 PM, Friday 25 Apr 2025
(20 minutes)
Where:
Loyola Jesuit Hall and Conference Centre
- RF-130 Salon Loyola Alumni
This presentation explores how the Fibre Arts Technology Club (FAT Club) at Concordia University promotes community engagement, creativity, and healing by integrating traditional fibre arts with technology. Since its founding in 2018, FAT Club has introduced tools like a motorized 3D-printed circular sock knitting machine (2019) and a mechanical punchcard knitting machine (2022), which pays homage to early computing. During COVID-19, FAT Club offered a necessary social connection and continues to promote inclusivity, skill-building, and sustainability. Key milestones include the Mending Matters course (2023) and the 2024 Christmas auction.
FAT Club highlights the role of academic libraries in lifelong learning, research, and social responsibility. By offering creative spaces and access to technology, libraries enhance student engagement, retention, and community development. This case study demonstrates how library-based initiatives encourage innovation, sustainability, and resilience in academic settings.
FAT Club highlights the role of academic libraries in lifelong learning, research, and social responsibility. By offering creative spaces and access to technology, libraries enhance student engagement, retention, and community development. This case study demonstrates how library-based initiatives encourage innovation, sustainability, and resilience in academic settings.
Discussion