James King
Information Architect, Library
National Institutes of Health
Kathlin Ray
Dean, University Libraries and Teaching/Learning Technologies
University of Nevada, Reno
NIH Library Technology Sandbox: 3D Printing for Medical Research (King)
In 2013, the National Institutes of Health Library converted a print reference collection space into a “Technology Sandbox” to foster collaboration, partnerships, and innovation across the agency. The highest profile component of that space has been the 3D printer and modeling software. In the first six months of the open prototype phase, over one hundred unique prints have been produced, including proteins, viruses, and anatomy as well as rapid prototyping and custom laboratory equipment. We have also assisted in the creation of the 3D Print Exchange, which creates validated scientific biomedical 3D print models. This presentation will discuss the lessons learned from a federal agency perspective as well as our future plans.
2.5 Years of 3D Printing in the Library: Lessons Learned (Ray)
In 2012, the DeLaMare Library at the University of Nevada, Reno launched a 3D printing service as part of a larger “makerspace” initiative. Wildly popular with students, faculty and community members, 3D printing services have evolved over the past two years to include more robust printers/scanners and a whole new class of student employees called 3D Wranglers. The recent addition of a laser cutter has generated even more traffic. In this session, we will discuss the pleasures and pitfalls of providing 3D printing and other makerspace activities within today’s academic library.