libraries in 3d: makerspaces and 3d printers in ever-changing library settings
TRANSCRIPT
Libraries in 3D: Makerspaces and 3D Printers in Ever-
changing Library Settings
ALISE 2015
Heather Moorefield-Lang
University of South Carolina
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.
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?
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!
Image Courtesy of Andy Plemmons
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
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.
Image Courtesy of Barrow Media Center
Four School Librarians
Image Courtesy of Shannon Miller
Four Academic Librarians
Image Courtesy of Adam Rogers
Image courtesy of Chicago Public Library
Four Public Librarians
Image Courtesy of Mark Anderson
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
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.
Photo Courtesy of Eric Maslowski, UM Lab
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)
Image Courtesy of Ida Mae Craddock, Monticello High School
Image Courtesy of Sarah Justice, RosmanMiddle/High School
Photo courtesy of Adam Rogers, NC State
Photo by kevin dooley - Creative Commons Attribution License https://www.flickr.com/photos/12836528@N00 Created with Haiku Deck
Photo by Jürg - Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License https://www.flickr.com/photos/85385002@N00 Created with Haiku Deck
Fortunately More Training Opportunities are Emerging
Image Courtesy of Missoula Public Library
Screenshot from UNCG Libraries
Screenshot from Stratasys
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.
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
Photo by stina jonsson - Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License https://www.flickr.com/photos/94371817@N00 Created with Haiku Deck
Contact Information
• Heather Moorefield-Lang
• Twitter: @actinginthelib
• www.techfifteen.com