Valuing toolmaking in academia

Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks 2026 Book chapter

View at publisher
Authors: Mathieu Jacomy, Bernhard Rieder, Erik Borra, Guillaume Plique, Kenneth Christian Enevoldsen, Nees Jan van Eck
DOI: 10.4337/9781802208993.00033
Cited by: 0

Abstract

This chapter tackles the issue of how toolmaking is valued within academia. It argues that the operational work of maintaining tools is often overlooked, which creates a hidden labor problem for toolmakers. This chapter explains why it is hard to get funding and academic credit for tool development and maintenance. It also discusses ways to better recognize the value of toolmaking and how this recognition could improve the quality of the tools available to researchers.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Research Science and Academia Publishing and Scholarly Communication Library Science and Information

Publication details

Journal / source
Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks
Pages
339–348
Publication date
2 January 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Book chapter