3D Printing in Libraries
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3D Printers in Public Libraries
Examples of 3D Printer Policies in Public Libraries:
Toronto Public Library
Sacramento Public Library
The Westport Library
The policies of 3D printing in public libraries vary widely. Some libraries offer their patrons extensive instruction; others offer little assistance. Some libraries allow trained patrons hands-on use of the printer; others only allow staff or volunteers to handle the printer. Most libraries do not charge their patrons for 3D printer use, but do charge a modest materials charge. The Naperville Public library allows patrons to submit on online 3D printing request form. Public libraries appeared equally open to patrons printing their own designs or printing existing online designs, with or without modification.
Examples of 3D Printer Policies in Public Libraries:
Toronto Public Library
Sacramento Public Library
The Westport Library
The policies of 3D printing in public libraries vary widely. Some libraries offer their patrons extensive instruction; others offer little assistance. Some libraries allow trained patrons hands-on use of the printer; others only allow staff or volunteers to handle the printer. Most libraries do not charge their patrons for 3D printer use, but do charge a modest materials charge. The Naperville Public library allows patrons to submit on online 3D printing request form. Public libraries appeared equally open to patrons printing their own designs or printing existing online designs, with or without modification.
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3D Printers in Academic Libraries
The University of Alabama library has a formal approach to 3D printing. Users are required to participate in the training which teaches the basics of printer technology, operation and safety. Users also complete interactive training on 3D design and 3D conversion software. After completing the training workshops the new 3D user schedules time with a library staff member before actually printing something. Every new user meets once or twice for approximately 30-60 minutes of consulting. Users who are new to 3D modeling may need more training. This procedure requires significant staff time.
The University of Alabama found that users came from various departments including Art, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and English. 3D printing has been incorporated into class projects, research, and instruction.
The University of Alabama library has a formal approach to 3D printing. Users are required to participate in the training which teaches the basics of printer technology, operation and safety. Users also complete interactive training on 3D design and 3D conversion software. After completing the training workshops the new 3D user schedules time with a library staff member before actually printing something. Every new user meets once or twice for approximately 30-60 minutes of consulting. Users who are new to 3D modeling may need more training. This procedure requires significant staff time.
The University of Alabama found that users came from various departments including Art, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and English. 3D printing has been incorporated into class projects, research, and instruction.
The following video was produced by North Carolina State University's Hunt Library. It explains some of the basics of 3D printing and shows a 3D printer at work.
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3D Innovations
Mason Wilde, a Kansas teen, used a 3D printer at his library to print a prosthetic hand for a family friend named Matthew. Matthew was born without fingers on one hand. Wilde aspires to be an engineer. He modified the Robohand instructions that are freely available online. Matthew can open and close the finger of the prosthetic hand by moving his wrist.
3D printing is being used in many professional fields. The Chicago Field Museum is using CT scanning and 3D printing to do things that were previously impossible. They printed a set of Cheetah bones that can be used in a traveling exhibition without fear of breakage. They scanned a mummy. The amulets that were wrapped up inside the mummy have now been replicated by a 3D printer. Museum patrons can see them on display next to the mummy. In engineering and design fields prototypes can be made more quickly and more cheaply than before.
Mason Wilde, a Kansas teen, used a 3D printer at his library to print a prosthetic hand for a family friend named Matthew. Matthew was born without fingers on one hand. Wilde aspires to be an engineer. He modified the Robohand instructions that are freely available online. Matthew can open and close the finger of the prosthetic hand by moving his wrist.
3D printing is being used in many professional fields. The Chicago Field Museum is using CT scanning and 3D printing to do things that were previously impossible. They printed a set of Cheetah bones that can be used in a traveling exhibition without fear of breakage. They scanned a mummy. The amulets that were wrapped up inside the mummy have now been replicated by a 3D printer. Museum patrons can see them on display next to the mummy. In engineering and design fields prototypes can be made more quickly and more cheaply than before.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/8/9/26890262/634542842.jpg)
Concerns about 3D printing
- If a library is unable to offer CAD or 3D programming instruction, and patrons are simply printing existing designs, is the 3D printer a device for learning?
- Should libraries be in the business of manufacturing?
- Possible copyright, patent or trademark infringement issues
- What if a patron wants to print a gun?
- Are enough patrons interested?
- Some people are sensitive to the smell of plastic melting.
The Make Magazine: Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing includes reviews of 23 3D printers that were run through tests. Information on 3D scanners, filament extruders, and CAD software tutorials is also included.