1Assistant Librarian, Center for Research in Library and Information Sciences Presidency University, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
2Head Librarian, Center for Research in Library and Information Sciences Presidency University, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding author email id: vijaykumars@presidencyuniversity.in
The article aims to identify the elements, applications, and types of 3D printing technologies in various libraries as part of the makerspaces. The authors studied four libraries where they have implemented services such as makerspace and 3D printers. Makerspace and 3D printers are very popular and extremely exciting in today’s library sector. Successful implementation of all kinds of new technology comes with its challenges. Applying this type of modern technology to library services would be challenging for Library professionals. There are several types of 3D printers available for users, but Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers are the most popular. The selection of 3D printer models based on their benefits such as rapid prototyping, greater confidentiality, fewer manufacturing errors, personalization, frequent prototyping, shapes, and structures. The users are mainly from the civil and architect sector, graphic design, geography, automotive sector, etc. Here, the authors have chosen four different libraries to understand the practical aspects of 3D printers and their implementation. Those are Rijeka City Library, The Johnson County Public Library, Baldwin Public Library, and Vikram Sarabhai Library. In Rijeka City library organized workshops for 3D printing skills, more than 800 children and teachers participated and made utensils, bowls and plates. The Johnson County Library starts makerspace for kids and adults to develop their business and technology skills with Barbara Strolling, President of the American Library Association. Baldwin Public Library began a makerspace called Idea Lab, and it offers a CubePro Duo 3D printer for creative people. The printer uses a variety of thermoplastics to create objects. Idea lab charges the minimum cost for the 3D printing. Vikram Sarabhai Library proclaimed Tinker Space for the IIMA community. It was set up with the help of PGP students and the Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship. Libraries and librarians are constantly updating themselves to keep abreast of the new information formats, which satisfy the user demands.
3D printing, Makerspace, Libraries, 3D technology, FDM, Fused deposition modeling
