This document discusses Maynooth University Library's implementation of a 3D printing service. It provides background on 3D printing and reasons for the library to offer this service, including supporting new forms of learning. It outlines the library's exploratory research, pilot program, and efforts to promote and mainstream the service. Usage statistics are provided, showing strong demand. Quotes from patrons highlight how the service facilitates collaboration and access to cultural heritage. The conclusion is that 3D printing can be a great opportunity for academic libraries if planned and executed carefully.

1. Lorna Dodd
Senior Librarian,
Learning, Research & Information Services
Maynooth University
lorna.dodd@nuim.ie, @LornaDodd
Hugh Murphy
Senior Librarian,
Collection Management Services
Maynooth University
hugh.murphy@nuim.ie, @hughtweet
Service in
the third
dimension

2. “…a method for creating physical objects from digital
designs. 3D printers build objects out of many very
thin layers of material...”
Matthew B. Hoy, 2013
What is 3D
Printing?

3. Why should the
Library get involved?
1. Shift in emphasis from storing
and archiving resources to
supporting the production of
knowledge
2. Changes in how students are
taught at third level…… learning
by doing and creating and
engaging in problem solving
3. Evolution in the way students
interact with the world around
them requires an evolution in the
services we provide

4. You never
know a game
changer….
…. until it’s changed
the game

5. Why is 3D Printing right for Maynooth
University Library?

6. Fits with Maynooth University
Strategic Plan which aims to
“̍… harness the potential of new
technologies to enable greater
flexibility and effectiveness in
teaching and learning on- and off-
campus..”
AND
“…invest in and develop library
and information
technologyservices as critical
enablers of our strategic goals…”
Maynooth University Strategic Plan 2012-2017

7. It’s just another
new service….
3D printing
enhances and
emphasises the
importance of our
services
Being proactive
and innovative
with a focus on
creativity is part
of our service

8. Exploratory Research
Visited Chicago to see
how 3D printing works in
other Libraries …
…Talked to Stakeholders
to see if we can anticipate
and meet their needs…
…Reviewed the literature
and talked to vendors

9. Our 3D printer

10. Launching the service…
Ran an initial three month
pilot phase
Created an accompanying
LibGuide
Outline terms of use and
copyright
Free of charge

12. Mainstreaming
the service
Move the printer to a more
visible location
Train more staff
Decide on pricing
Develop further policies

13. Promotion
Used a variety of methods including a social media campaign,
targeting key people on campus, highlighting the service during
orientation and holding exhibitions in the Library foyer

14. Usage: 154 Requests from March to October; over
95% were completed; 77% were received via web-form

15. ….“That’s not your job”…

16. “3Dprinting revolutionises our
traditional relationshipwith cultural
heritage...Artefacts that could only be
seenbehinda glass displaycase can now
be touchedand felt.
At the same time, exact replicascan
travel out of the country of originand
thus become accessible …across the
globe!”
Dr Konstantinos Papadopoulos
Postdoctoral Researcher in Digital Humanities

17. The Library at
the centre of
everything

18. “…having access to the 3D printer within the Library,
facilitates an open collaboration between a diversity of
people who don't already have access to the technology
within their respective departments.“
Stephen Cullen
Msc student in Design Innovation

19. The future outlooks for managing 3D printing services in
university libraries appear very positive. With careful
planning and execution, implementation of a library 3D
printing studio can be fantastic opportunity for academic
libraries worldwide.
A model for managing 3D printing services in academic libraries
by Scalfani, Vincent F; Sahib, Josh
Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship, 2013, Volume 72