Technological advances are imperative to the growth and development of libraries. One recent technological advancement is 3D printing. This technology is particularly well suited for libraries since it is too expensive for most individuals to own, but easier for a library to own.
There are different forms of 3D printers. The most common form of 3D printing uses melted plastic to build a three-dimensional object by layers. These types of printer are being found in more and more libraries.
Libraries are able to offer 3D printing services to their users for low costs. Typically this cost is $1-$2 per hour (Groenendyk & Gallant, 2013, p39; Valdosta State University, 2014), a cost that mainly covers the price of extruded plastics. This provides a significant advantage to library patrons. The reduced cost and access to cutting edge technology increases the perceived value of the library. The patron is aware that they would not have this opportunity if it were not provided by their library.
The ways in which libraries can use this technology has yet to be fully realized. This could be because it is not yet common practice to utilize this new technology. Students and faculty are highly likely to benefit from the availability of 3D printers. Challenges to users include a steep learning curve for 3D modeling. The other challenges that exist are because of the cost to libraries and the extensive amount of time it takes to complete a printing job.
Literature Review
There is not an abundance of literature on the subject of 3D printing in a library setting available. However, the number of articles is increasing as colleges and universities have acquired 3D printers. The articles that do exist do not discuss much of the details of user interaction with the technology. These articles generally consist of reasons behind purchasing a particular brand, or how a given library implemented 3D printing services.
Optimistic articles (Goodrich, 2014; Griffey, 2012) mentioned how this technology is reminiscent of the replicators on Star Trek, where a user asks for an object and the computer fabricates it on the spot. This notation makes it seem as if some library patrons could consider the technology to be closer to science fiction rather than reality. This can be problematic to the budget if patrons are not yet interested in learning more about this new and advanced technology.
Less optimistic articles mentioned the high learning curve for both the use of the printer and the three-dimensional design work often required (Groenendyk & Gallant, 2013). One article discusses the potential for copyright infringement (Wiant, 2014). The article then cites examples of companies thinking copying machines would infringe on copyrights and notes that 3D printing may fall under similar copyright laws (Wiant, 2014, p. 702). The problem is that the laws do not yet address copyright infringement as it relates to 3D printers in particular, but broadly describe digital copyright law.
Three-dimensional design work is also intimidating to the average user. Of course, this may not be true in academic settings that focus on design work. A high learning curve may depreciate the value of the 3D printers for students and patrons who believe that they will only rarely utilize the technology.
Use in the Libraries
A primary strength of 3D printers is the low cost of manufacturing. 3D printers offer a very modern alternative to traditional manufacturing. This could be extremely beneficial for the average patron, but because of the high learning curve it is uniquely suited for university settings. Pearce, a researcher at Michigan Technical University, used a 3D printer to print lab equipment (Goodrich, 2014, p.10). Not only did he design his own equipment, he decided to share what he made digitally, and got feedback on making improvements to the design.
In this situation, it is easy to see how the initial expense for purchasing a 3D printer could easily be recouped. This type of utilization necessitates that faculty, staff, and researchers understand the benefit that the 3D printer can offer in each respective department. It also requires a willingness to learn the process. Librarians can greatly assist other departments by learning the process and citing research such as this to faculty, staff, and students.
The utilization of 3D printers in a library setting also provides the unique opportunity to use this technology in an open sourced community that freely shares and constantly improves ideas. This community built around design and function puts the library “in a unique position to be able to leverage the wealth of learning and opportunities for knowledge creation that access to such technology can provide in a way that most individual departments are not” (Kurt & Colegrove, 2012).
If individual departments acquired 3D printers then there is a higher likelihood that communication could be lost across departments. The library can more effectively communicate the lessons that have learned and improvements that have already been made as the 3D printers are used. Librarians can also maintain a knowledgeable base of research regarding the trends and improvements that are being made with 3D printers in libraries and at universities across the world.
The DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library at the University of Nevada expresses their view on 3D printing: “Because the library exists for everyone in the academic community, we are well equipped to provide open support for all” (Kurt & Colegrove, 2012). 3D printers fit in with the idea of moving towards “creative spaces for making things” (Griffey, 2012, p.23), essentially the premise behind the Makerspace. By having a 3D printer available to users, they are meeting the goal of libraries “not only to educate and inform, but inspire and transform” (Griffey, 2012, p. 23).
Challenges and Issues
One of the largest unknowns in the realm of 3D printing is copyright law. Wiant (2014) makes a good case that there may be potential copyright issues as this technology becomes more widespread, and potentially for libraries to be held liable. Wiant (2014) lays out the issue facing libraries as such:
Libraries should ask themselves whether or not a 3D printing service should be subject to the same copyright regulations as photocopying a book or printing an online article, or if it should be subject to a whole new set of regulations (p.704)
Currently 3D printing is open-source. It is free to use. The fascinating connotations with this new technology, within a communal setting, ignite creativity and a collaboration that can help to improve designs. Pearce warns that copyright issues would stifle this (Goodrich, 2014, p. 10). However, copyright law does exist for the digital realm in this country and one 3D printing company, Shapways.com (2014) claims limited liability due to being a service and is protected under the Digital Millenium Copyright Act and under their Safe Harbor provision. Basically they provide a service, and individuals are responsible for copyright.
Other challenges for libraries include concerns over the volatile nature of heating some plastics. There are specific concerns for health issues, due to toxic plastics used in 3D printing, though easily replaced with polymer based plastic (Groenendyk & Gallant, 2013, 36). Thus, this is not a major concern and can be easily remedied with proper education about the plastics to use.
The toughest challenge facing libraries using 3D printing may be the technical knowledge required to use the technology, and passing on that knowledge to users. Groenendyk and Gallant (2013) note that “[w]ithout instruction, the lack of experience will impede effective use of these technologies” (p 40). Some libraries require users to attend training sessions before use of the 3D printer (Valdosta State University, 2014). However, this could also be avoided as librarians take ownership of this evolving technology and teach others, or recruit the appropriate parties, to learn the necessary skills to utilize the technology.
Conclusion
The strongest reservation for utilizing this technology is the high learning curve. However, it is unlikely that this would stifle faculty, staff, and researchers in a university setting in which individuals are eager to learn and highly value growth. The other reservations are easily adaptable. The benefits in collaboration and low manufacturing costs are impressive.
3D printing shows promise for growth in libraries. It also offers potential growth to librarians, in particular. It would be extremely beneficial for universities to hire librarians who can lead the collegiate community on this innovative path.
References
Goodrich, M. (2014). 3d revolution. Research (Michigan Technological University), 8-11.
Griffey, J. (2012). Absolutely fab-ulous. Library Technology Reports, 48(3), 21-24.
Groenendyk, M., & Gallant, R. (2013). 3d printing and scanning at the Dalhousie University libraries: A pilot project. Library Hi Tech, 31(1), 34-41. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/
Kurt, L. & Colegrove, T. (2012, July 17). 3d printers in the library: Toward a fablab in the academic library. Retrieved from http://acrl.ala.org/
Pryor, S. (2014). Implementing a 3d printing service in an academic library. Journal of Library Administration, 54(1), 1-10.
Shapeways, Inc. (2014). FAQ: Making your own products. Retrieved from http://www.shapeways.com/
Valdosta State University. (2014). 3d printing. Retrieved from http://www.valdosta.edu/academics/library/depts/media-center/services/3d-printing.php
Wiant, S. K. (2014). Comment: 3d printing. Washington & Lee Law Review, 71(1), 699-706.
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