Libraries Of The Future
Man, a trip to the library really isn’t what it used to be.
Now they have MakerBots and you can Make things with your library card. These spaces are going to quickly become the go-to’s for getting started in Making stuff; like, your librarian’s going to say things like “wow, sweet overhangs.”
In other words, the future’s bright.
During the holiday last week, a couple more libraries-with-MakerBots popped onto our radar. First was the W.M. Logan Library at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. In a post at The Connected Librarian, R. Quick gives a quick1 rundown of his first experience designing and Making something.
While my design was simple and was not without flaws (I keep having one edge turn up even while using a raft or increasing the temp of the room) I did learn that the process from design conception to holding the final object in your hands (after a few hours work) is indeed possible and truly exciting.
Next was the Westport Public Library in Westport, Connecticut. That library received its Replicator through a donation from the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club and CLASP Homes, which also played a huge part in putting on the Westport Mini Maker Faire. Here are some images from the press conference announcing the library’s new Maker Space. Seriously, isn’t that a beautiful library?
One more thing, here’s a very early-stage map showing libraries using MakerBots. Which ones are we missing?
- yep [↩]
| Tagged with | library, MakerBot in libraries, makerspace | 4 comments |
4 Comments so far
Sarah Simpkin
Innisfil Public Library in Ontario, Canada has had a Thing-o-Matic (staff assembled!) since March 2012. Our artist-in-residence Max Lupo (http://maxlupo.com/) is also using his own Makerbot in the library.
Andrew
Thanks, Sarah! I updated the map.
Rosemary Arneson
Simpson Library at the University of Mary Washington, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is in the process of creating a makerspace, in collaboration with the Division of Teaching and Learning Technologies and the College of Education. The space will have at least two Thing-o-Matic Makerbots, a replicator, and an assortment of tools. George Meadows, Associate Professor of Education, and Timothy Owens of DTLT will teach a Freshman Seminar in the space during the fall semester.
Ridgeway Burns
Glen Ellyn Public Library is using a Replicator to teach 3D modeling in schools and in the library. We just finished our first round of “3D Printing Fab Labs” and are excited for the next round in the fall.
For updates and highlights of student work from our workshops check out our thingiverse profile (http://www.thingiverse.com/rburns).