Makers in the library: case studies of 3D printers and maker spaces in library settings

Abstract

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of 3D printing and maker spaces in various library settings. Insights, challenges, successes, projects as well as recommendations will be shared. Commonalities across libraries 3D printing technologies and maker space learning areas will also explored. Design/methodology/approach -This paper delves into six case studies of librarians that have implemented 3D printers and/or maker spaces in their libraries. The case studies focus on libraries at three different levels: school, public, and higher education with two case studies from each type. The author of this paper will describe the cases, projects, challenges, successes, along with other aspects of 3D printer, and maker space integration. Findings -3D printing and maker spaces, while very popular in the field of librarianship can be incredibly exciting to implement but they come with challenges and successes just like any type of new technology. Librarians have to be fearless in implementing this technology, willing to learn on their feet, and be excited to explore. Originality/value -At this time most publications on 3D printing are held in the realm of popular publications (blogs, magazines, zines, etc.). Very little has been written on a wider range of case studies where 3D printers and maker spaces have been integrated into libraries of various types. This paper sets the foundation for further exploration in how 3D printing and maker spaces could be a part of library services.

A Content Analysis of 3D Printing Policies at Academic Libraries

“…Many articles have been published outlining the steps taken to implement 3D printing services into an academic library (Gonzalez & Bennett, 2014;Groenendyk & Gallant, 2013;Moorefield-Lang, 2014;Nowlan, 2015;Pryor, 2014;Scalfani & Sahib, 2013). Among the steps are purchasing the equipment, finding a suitable location, training staff and students, developing procedures, and writing a policy.…”

Distributed Manufacturing of Flexible Products: Technical Feasibility and Economic Viability

“…In addition to the economic benefits, the consumer can now participate in a collaborative environment with other consumers that enjoy making their own items-the maker community [61][62][63][64][65]. This community is also growing as a result of increased 3-D printer accessibility to makers [66][67][68][69]. This community is filled with makers and tinkerers that believe in fixing what is broken and reusing what they already have [70,71].…”

The Bubbler as Systemwide Makerspace: A Design Case of How Making Became a Core Service of the Public Libraries

“…The Institute of Museum and Library Services has provided leadership through continuing education initiatives such as the ILEAD project ("Innovative Librarians Explore, Apply and Discover") and by funding "21st Century Learning Labs" resulting in the creation of makerspaces and maker programs at libraries nationwide. Case studies focus on the benefits and challenges of implementing makerspaces in public libraries (e.g., Bagley 2014;Burke 2014;Moorefield-Lang 2014). Specifically, these studies indicate ways public library makerspaces address access issues: (a) provision of materials and tools that are otherwise unavailable (Bagley 2014;Fourie & Meyer 2015); (b) access to knowledge, resources, and technologies (Burke 2014;Honey & Kanter 2013); and (c) facilitation of community partnerships (Willett, Lakind, & Halverson, under review).…”