Academic library innovation through 3D printing services

Pages208-218
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/LM-12-2016-0094
Date13 June 2017
Published date13 June 2017
AuthorGalina Letnikova,Na Xu
Subject MatterLibrary & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion
Academic library innovation
through 3D printing services
Galina Letnikova
City University of New York, Long Island City, New York, USA, and
Na Xu
Department of Natural Sciences, City University of New York,
Long Island City, New York, USA
Abstract
Purpose One of the most innovative library services recently introduced by public and academic libraries,
the technology of 3D printing, has the potential to be used in multiple educational settings. The purpose of
this paper is to examine how this novel library digital service motivates studentslearning, and to investigate
managerial issues related to the introduction of 3D printing services at a medium-size urban community
college library with restricted funding.
Design/methodology/approach Since Fall 2014, the LaGuardia Library Media Resources Center has
been offering a portable consumer-end 3D printer for classroom use. This paper provides historical
context for the implementation of 3D printing as a service offered by librarians and discusses how the
community college library managed 3D printing services to support class curriculum. At the end of the
three-semester-long project students were asked to volunteer to take a survey conducted by the librarian and
the class instructor.
Findings The results of the student survey demonstrated that library 3D printing services significantly
promoted studentsmotivation to learn. The conceptual model of a makerspace should be an essential part of
the twenty-first century academic library. To help make that possible this paper examines certain challenges
and limitations faced by librarians when introducing 3D printing, including dedicated space management,
professional education, and personnel availability.
Originality/value During the project described students were able to use library services to print out and
study complex engineering and biology models in 3D. The proper planning and management of this
innovative service allows academic librarians to enhance class curriculum by providing the means of
transforming theory into physical reality.
Keywords Library instruction, Management of change, 3D printing, Academic library,
Library innovation, STEM education
Paper type Case study
I. Introduction
Libraries have always been at the edge of new technologies. Starting from ancient times and
the invention of the printing press, library patrons turned to librarians for instructions on
how to access and acquire new knowledge and expertise, how to use and troubleshoot
innovative tools and techniques. The appearance of 3D printers was not an exception.
This major innovation has been applied in many industries, such as engineering,
manufacturing, art, and medicine, and it quickly became popular among librarians.
The public libraries, being places of community engagement, started helping their users to
develop novel 3D printing skills. In 2012 the Fayetteville Free Library in New York State
became the first public library in the USA to open a so-called FFL Fab Labwhich
consisted of a group of machines working together and/or individually, supported by
appropriate computer programming, and used for three-dimensional objects production.
After the official unveiling of the FFL Fab Labin June 2012 (Fisher, 2012), other public
Library Management
Vol. 38 No. 4/5, 2017
pp. 208-218
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-12-2016-0094
Received 14 December 2016
Accepted 7 February 2017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
The authors thank Terry Parker, the Coordinator of Media Services of the LaGuardia Community
College Library Media Center and Felix Peralta, Media Services Laboratory Technician, and
Seongkeun Ahn, library intern from Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information
Studies for their assistance and technical support in teaching students how to use 3D printer.
208
LM
38,4/5

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