This document summarizes a presentation about makerspaces and 3D printers in libraries. It discusses how libraries are implementing these new technologies to remain relevant and provide novel services to patrons. Librarians receive training through online courses, conferences, and self-learning as formal training programs are still emerging. The presentation highlights various projects libraries have undertaken with 3D printers and makerspaces, from printing body parts to parts for assistive devices. It emphasizes that libraries must continue innovating and embracing new technologies like VR and drones to engage patrons.

1. Libraries in 3D: Makerspaces
and 3D Printers in Ever-
changing Library Settings
ALISE 2015
Heather Moorefield-Lang
University of South Carolina
moorefield-lang@sc.edu

2. Eleanor Roosevelt
“It is not too much to say that
our whole attitude toward
education must be changed.
The training of the past – too
long inadequate even for the
purposes for the past – will
not serve in preparing the
youngsters of today to meet
new conditions.” Tomorrow is
Now
This image was provided by the
National Archives and Records
Administration as part of a
cooperation project.

3. Changing Roles, Changing Services
How are in-service librarians training for new
services?
Where do they gain their training?
As tech leaders how do librarians change with
ever-changing technology and services?

4. Are the Students Graduating
from Schools of Library Science
Prepared for the Type of Services
offered in Today’s Libraries?
Happily the answer is yes!

5. Image Courtesy of
Andy Plemmons

6. Look what we have now!
• Learning Commons
• Information Commons
• Makerspaces
• 3D Printing
• Robotics
• Gaming
• Augmented Reality/Oculus Rift
• Handheld Devices
• Drones
• Laser Cutters
• Information Security
• Net Neutrality
•And every year new
issues and exciting
challenges emerge

7. Makerspaces: A Study
A makerspace is a location where students and other types of
library patrons can create, build, craft, make, solve problems,
collaborate, think, and develop skills (Preddy, 2013)
Makerspaces create an environment where library users can
create content. The library becomes not only a place of
information storage but also of creation.

8. Image Courtesy of
Barrow Media Center
Four School Librarians
Image Courtesy of Shannon Miller

9. Four Academic
Librarians
Image
Courtesy
of Adam
Rogers

10. Image courtesy of Chicago Public Library
Four Public Librarians
Image Courtesy of
Mark Anderson

11. Research Process
•Case Studies
•Interviews
•Qualitative Data
•Data analysis using Nvivo 10
•Seeking common themes and ideas
among those participants who have
incorporated 3D printers and
makerspaces in their libraries

12. General Information
•Most libraries have had their printers and
makerspaces for 1-2 years. One library
(Michigan) had 3D printers for the past 10
years.
•Most decided to implement this
technology or space to offer a new
service or to make a change to the library.
“Libraries are in a fight for their lives”
Change was needed.

13. Photo Courtesy of Eric
Maslowski, UM Lab

14. Favorites!
• Prints of children‘s
noses (University of
Michigan)
• Twisting peanut butter
jar (NC State)
• Adjustable spoon for
specially abled
(Monticello HS)
• Tangible maps for the
blind (NC State)
• Storybook characters
(Van Meter School)
• Robotics petting zoo
(Detroit Public
Library)
• Prints of rocks and
minerals for school
(Barrow Elem)
• SteamPunk materials
for literature unit
(Rosman School)
• Parts of the human
body (Multiple)

15. Image Courtesy of Ida Mae Craddock, Monticello
High School

16. Image Courtesy of
Sarah Justice, Rosman
Middle/High School

17. Photo courtesy
of Adam Rogers,
NC State

18. Photo by kevin dooley - Creative Commons Attribution License https://www.flickr.com/photos/12836528@N00 Created with Haiku Deck

20. Photo by Jürg - Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License https://www.flickr.com/photos/85385002@N00 Created with Haiku Deck

22. Fortunately More Training
Opportunities are Emerging
Image Courtesy of
Missoula Public Library

23. Screenshot from UNCG
Libraries

24. Screenshot from Stratasys

25. What Are Library Programs Offering?
• Online webinars, video tutorials, podcasts and broadcasts
• Face to face classes
• Maker activities in existing classes
• Summer programs
• Camps and courses for in-service librarians
But the reality is not much at this time. Many still have to find their
own way. Engage that spirit of exploration and fearlessness and is
important when implementing these services.

26. Back to Eleanor
“Unless people are willing to face the unfamiliar they
cannot be creative in any sense, for being creative
always means doing the unfamiliar, the breaking of new
ground. It is from this creative element, which should
be stimulating now, that all of the new ideas of the
future will come.” Tomorrow is Now

27. Photo by stina jonsson - Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License https://www.flickr.com/photos/94371817@N00 Created with Haiku Deck

28. Contact Information
• Heather Moorefield-Lang
• moorefield-lang@sc.edu
• Twitter: @actinginthelib
• www.techfifteen.com