When I first set out to write on this topic, I had planned to interview many libraries on how they were using their 3-D printers, but in my research I discovered a very meaningful project at the Novi (MI) Public Library where they have teamed up with the local high school robotics team and a company called e-NABLE to create free 3-D printed hands and arms for those in need of an upper limb assistive device.

The program began in the summer of 2017 when Novi Public Library director, Julie Farkas, was approached by two high school students, Kirsten Anderson and Fenton Lawler, who were going into their senior year about the library becoming involved in a project to help them build hands. Anderson and Fenton were both members of Frog Force, the Novi High School robotics team. They were both already involved with e-NABLE, but wanted to join forces with the library to get more of a public perspective and get more community members involved.

While it remained a kid-led project, Novi Public Library invited community members to become participants by running an “Assembly Day” program twice a year, where people could come into the library and build a hand with provided assistance and instruction. The library also helped Frog Force connect with local fourth grade classrooms to teach kids how to assemble the 3-D printed hands. Together Frog Force, the library, and the kids in the classrooms were able to meet their goal of printing and assembling over 200 hands. The library also encouraged anyone who wished to make a donation to the project, all donations went toward materials and supplies for the project including replacing the library’s 3-D printer when needed.

According to Farkas, many of these 200 hands are currently being tested for quality control to make sure the hands work properly before being shipped out, but they are about to ship out their first order of 15 hands to a hospital in India. These hands will include instructions and care information in Hindi. Since the beginning of the project they have also connected with locals that need hands, including an order from an organization called Hand Camp who requested 16 hands and other individual orders for custom made hands. e-NABLE is even using some of these 200 hands that were built for themselves as examples in training.

When asked for advice on how libraries interested could also get involved with e-NABLE and creating 3-D printed hands for those who need them Farkas suggested contacting local robotics teams to see if it is a project they are interested in collaborating on. She also suggested it is helpful when working with the high school students to have a school and parent liaison as a contact point for both the library and the kids to assist in keeping everyone on task.

Even though Frog Force and the Novi Public Library have reached their first goal of assembling 200 hands, they have no intention of stopping anytime in the near future. Since being registered as an e-NABLE chapter they have received orders for custom made hands from all over and plan to continue being a part of the hands project.

“I never would have known 20 years ago in library school that I would be involved in a project like this one,” Farkas said in a way that made it clear she was proud to be part of a project that pulls the community together and makes such a big difference in the world.

The post Library’s 3D Printer Makes a Difference first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

3-D printers are perhaps one of the most obvious creation tools that have started to penetrate today’s libraries. Weller writes this shift will transform libraries into places where people go to create the future, rather than research the past. Eventually, libraries could pave the way for creation in areas like genetic engineering and alternate reality. It is possible, he writes, that in fifty years our patrons would check out experiences such as visiting other planets or thinking like a dog, just as they currently check out books or DVDs.

Eventually, today’s flood of traditional data will shift into a human desire to access “sensory data,” he writes. Sensory data is essentially the act of sharing others’ experiences. Through this change, he argues that librarians will remain as important as ever as they help patrons make sense of this information. We will need to help patrons navigate this sensory data landscape, as well as continuing to give them a physical space to create.

The majority of Weller’s speculation does not surprise me. As we see 3-D printing become increasingly prevalent in society, especially in the fields of medicine and engineering, I see libraries as more important than ever in providing spaces for our patrons to create. Additionally, the runaway success of Pokémon GO’s virtual reality technology suggests to me that we are not terribly far away from superimposing more complex experiences onto our own lives. Libraries are a great candidate to provide these services and experiences.

It is refreshing to see a mainstream news article discuss the positive aspects of libraries and how they can transform to remain meaningful in the future. Does Weller’s research coincide how you see libraries evolving? Where do you see public libraries in fifty years?

References

^[1] Weller, Chris. “Libraries of the Future Are Going to Change in Some Unexpected Ways.” Business Insider. August 24, 2016. Accessed September 9, 2016. http://www.businessinsider.com/libraries-of-the-future-2016-8?r=UK&IR=T.

The post The Library of the Future Is Coming, and It’s All About Experience first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

All this can only come about if libraries adopt a form of change management. Change has become the norm for libraries as it has with many other businesses who wish to remain competitive. The rise in popularity of the e-book and digital libraries, the transformation to digital centers featuring computer and Wi-Fi access, and libraries as community meeting centers has challenged what used to be the norm, and replaced it with an ever evolving one instead.

Here are five emerging technology trends that will benefit both staff and patrons.

Tablet Loaner Programs

Desktops once lined the tables of library computer centers. It is certainly easier however, to read an e-book on a tablet or Chromebook instead. While fiction books were the first to make the transition, many nonfiction and reference books have made the move to e-format. So patrons can, instead of browsing the stacks, sit with a tablet or iPad and read the same materials, even printing parts they need for later reference.

Many magazines and newspapers have also digitized their archives, making them searchable. Special collections from libraries (such as this one from the University of Idaho) have at least part of their records available online. Local search engines housed on tablets or laptops may become a vital part of any research library.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is emerging as a new form of storytelling and educational gaming. Creating virtual reality spaces in libraries will provide patrons access to this content.

Virtual field trips conducted from libraries can be enhanced by directing patrons to other related content when the field trip has been completed. Educational games can become a regular part of children’s programs, and making documentaries and other films a part of the libraries digital collection will further enhance educational opportunities.

This will not only increase patron visits and engagement but also provide access to this technology to visitors who would not otherwise be able to utilize it.

3-D Printing

Maker stations are not new, but new uses for them are always emerging. Some libraries have managed to leverage this technology creatively. The following are examples from WebJunction:

• Fayetteville Free Library was able to locate its FabLab in a previously unused space, which was formerly (and appropriately) part of the Stickley Furniture factory, renowned makers in the Arts and Crafts movement.
• The Westport (CT) Public Library chose to locate its makerspace right in the middle of the library and now has an active event and activities calendar.
• The Arrowhead Library System (WI), has a mobile makerspace that is shared between seven libraries in southern Wisconsin.
• In the Netherlands, a mobile FabLab is bringing twenty-first-century making to primary and secondary schools in rural and remote communities.^[1]

3-D metal printing will be the next production method for many objects, as it is both less expensive and faster than conventional methods.^[2]

Libraries engaging adults as well as children in this activity are potentially helping prepare them for the future in many job markets.

Robotics

This is not the kind of robot that will replace the librarian; rather, this is the kind of robot that can, among other things, teach kids to write computer code. Some libraries are even acquiring robots that can be checked out by patrons, just like other library materials.

Maxine Bleiweiss, director of the Westport Library, which already has 3-D printers, says, “We believe robotics is the next disruptive technology that people need to know about.”^[3] The library was the first in the nation to acquire sophisticated humanoid robots made by the French robotics firm Aldebaran.

The robots don’t do anything they are not programmed to do, and so patrons learn the Python language to make them perform tasks from reading stories to children to dancing. The library is even talking about doing robot poetry slams, since the robots gesture when they talk just like humans do.

Drones

Much like robotics, this emerging field is being explored by libraries in a number of ways. Besides keeping patrons informed of FAA regulations regarding drones, including the need to register any drone that is over .55 pounds (8.8 ounces) when flight ready, some libraries are providing demonstrations and instruction as well.^[4]

The potential uses for drones extend far beyond demonstrations and patron education, including book drop offs and pickups for patrons unable to make it to the library, content creation, and research.

Drones will likely be a part of the technology resources offered by libraries. The library at the University of South Florida even experimented with lending drones to students.^[5]

These are just a few ways emerging technology can help both patrons and librarians going forward. The library is changing, and in the future they probably will not look much like they do today, but through change management and the embracing of new technology, libraries will continue to be the community centers they have always been.

References

[1] Betha Gutsche, “3D Printers: a revolution headed for your library,” WebJunction, November 9, 2015.

[2] “3D Metal Printing | 3D Printing Technologies,” YouTube video, 5:00, courtesy of Ex One, posted by “i.materialise,” December 10, 2010.

[3] Maxine Bleiweiss, “Beyond bookshelves: Meet your public library’s robots” by Mark Herz, Marketplace, October 10, 2014.

[4] Andrew Stengel, “Your Drone Christmas Gift Could Cost You $27,000 Or More: FAA Requires UAS Registration,” Huffington Post, January 4, 2016.

[5] Jareen Imam, “Check it out: Florida university library to lend drones to students,” CNN, June 23, 2014.

The post Emerging Tech Trends Require Change Management first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Makerspaces are wonderful places for people to learn about and explore new technology. They can also be labs for inventors developing new products. People create incredibly unique, ingenious, and desirable products, but it can be expensive to create prototypes and initial runs of products. The article mentions that makers and their success in business “will depend on how much support the city and state provide…”^[1] Libraries can step in and help in major ways at this point.

Working in a department that houses two makerspaces, I have seen makers – from teens to older adults – using the machinery to develop their ideas and build their businesses firsthand. We have had people come in to print 3D prototypes, try them out, and then bring back a new, slightly altered design. Having access to low-cost 3D printing allows them to develop their ideas with little cost for materials and no upfront purchase cost for machinery that they may not really need long-term. This availability also fits especially well with businesses employing a lean startup model by depending on the library to provide resources typically only available to large companies in the past.

The same can be said of people’s use of the laser cutter and CNC machine. A local costume company, Elope, for instance, has used the laser cutter several times to make prototypes of new items that they then decide if they want to have mass-produced. Easy access to these tools in the library allows them to more quickly obtain their prototype and make any decisions they need to before sending the designs to be manufactured.

Libraries can also help to develop the workforce by providing makerspaces. One of the conversations I’ve had with local manufacturing businesspeople was about how finding people with the necessary skills to employ in their plants can be difficult. Not as many people are learning the expertise needed to work with the various machines. In the last few years, various news outlets, like Forbes^[2] and CNBC^[3], have been covering this lack of skilled workers. If businesses can’t find skilled workers in their city, they may move or not be able to continue, affecting local economies. By providing access to machines like the CNC, albeit on a much smaller scale, libraries may offer patrons a chance to explore a new skill and perhaps spark a new interest that they never would have considered before.

The opportunities that people have access to can greatly shape your community. Providing technology and machinery in makerspaces is just one more way libraries can help their patrons to develop their ideas and create the next breakthrough.

Sources:

[1] Stanley, J. Adrian. “Making It.” Colorado Springs Independent, December 9-15 2015: 19-21.

[2] Wright, Joshua.  “America’s Skilled Trades Dilemma: Shortages Loom As Most-In-Demand Group Of Workers Ages.” Forbes, March 7 2013.

[3] “Survey shows growing US shortage of skilled labor.” CNBC, July 20 2015.

The post Supporting Your Community Through Making first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Bacon cites her experiences serving as a branch manager in a Minnesota consolidated regional library system as foundational to her abilities to move her Montana library forward. “Great River Regional Library—with all of its libraries—has an amazing support system, from technology to marketing to collection to policies for all libraries.” It is through this network that she developed the skills she needed to lead in a director role. She also credits her experience serving on a school board as essential in learning the ins and outs of working with a library board.

Bacon shares the credit for her library’s rags to riches story with community partners and her staff. A key to the library’s turnaround was the library staff. Bacon says, “I put skilled people around me. Two received their master in library science degrees within the last five years. I consider myself a director, someone who orchestrates and taps staff for their new skills. That’s really my role, to be the encourager and leader.” Many of the new programs and services she added to BCL came through collaboration, such as biweekly Book­a­Tech sessions offered by the BCL public services librarian.

Bacon advises librarians to be an active member of their library communities. “We all face the same challenges. We are so busy with limited staffing and the budget. It is difficult to get out. Networking and supporting your community are stepping stones.” This community involvement has resulted in a larger network of support for her library, allowing them to become more innovative. It was by advocating for an operating levy and pursuing grant funding that Bacon was able to balance the library’s budget and restore its reserves.

Along with the library’s foundation, Bacon has made a concerted effort to find grant money to pursue new projects. For example, the library recently received 3­D printers through competitive grant funding. Educational classes and community outreach will be included as part of this grant project. She has also retained grants from everything to summer reading program supplies to OverDrive services. Bacon looks for local organizations that have a similar mission as the library and organizations that want to give back to the Belgrade community. Her goal is to for the library to be an equalizer between all ages and incomes.

“The library is more relevant than it’s ever been. We have become the common cultural community center for our community,” she says.

Further information

• The Loaves and Fishes Library | Best Small Library in America 2015
• Belgrade Community Library

Photo:
Back row from left to right – Kathleen Godfrey, Vanetta Montoya
Front row from left to right – Keiley McGregor, Gale Bacon, Rebekah Kamp, Katie Ramstead

The post Lessons from 2015’s Best Small Library in America first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

The true beauty of the initiative was the freedom for sites to design any type of Maker activity. After bouncing around several ideas at my library (Lee Memorial Library in New Jersey), we opted to hold our first annual Inventors’ Fair. This program hit on an unfilled need in our community: a science fair-like activity that would promote strategic research and experimentation, alongside important engineering skills local students may not be learning in school. Offerings from some of our neighbors included a Maker Faire; workshops with technology such as MaKey MaKey, littleBits, 3D printers, and Arduino; myriad craft sessions; and cooking lessons.

Because this was my library’s first true Maker event, the initial planning process was slightly overwhelming. Fortunately, the NJ Makers Day Committee was comprised of librarians from around the state who have already had hands-on experience with Makerspaces. Numerous planning webinars and trainings were offered in the months leading up to March 21, and participants received free literature to aid in preparation. Once we figured out the logistics of actually holding the event, reaching out to some of our dedicated volunteers helped tremendously in spreading the word. They were able to publicize the fair to various community organizations, in addition to putting us in contact with local science teachers who were willing to promote the program to their classes. Some were even willing to serve as guest judges.

Our next step was to enlist community partnerships. This turned out to be far less difficult than we thought. The first two businesses we approached, a tutoring center and children’s museum, were more than willing to jump on board. In return for putting their logos on our promotional materials and allowing them to have tables at the library on the day of the fair, they helped promote the program to their customer bases and offered free prizes to the winners. This was a great way to help both of these relatively new businesses feel more included in the community, as well as garner some potential new customers. For us, not having to spend money on prizes and accessing patrons we may not have otherwise reached was a huge boon.

NJ Makers Day was a huge success, not just in my library, but across the state as well. It brought the public new awareness of the Maker movement and how public libraries can fit into it. I am proud to say that my library was a part of it, and I look forward to running more Maker events in the future.

*Editor’s Note: The author of this article, Gretchen Kaser, was the director at the Lee Memorial Library in Allendale, NJ, at the time when this article was written. She is now the director at the Worth Pinkham Memorial Library in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ.

Photo Credit: Lee Memorial Library, NJ

The post New Jersey Hosts First State-Wide Makers Day first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

With so many possibilities for 3D printing, the excitement is quickly building. New businesses are opening and creating innovative new products that are changing lives in ways that wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago. Just as libraries have always been about providing access to new information and resources, they continue this mission by providing this new technology. The variety of filaments that can be used in these machines is growing, but currently the most commonly used are plastic, usually PLA (poly lactic acid) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). However, some printers have been created that can print with food or cellular material.[i]

One of the larger considerations for 3D printing involves intellectual property. This concept is nothing new for libraries, and copyright is something we have had to think about for years, posting signs by our copiers and music collections. However, with creation of content and objects, we must begin to think beyond copyright, and move into the world of patents and trade secrets.[ii]

Further legal considerations involve liability. The tip sheet mentions liability that stems from the actual products that are created using the 3D printer.[iii] Beyond that, libraries will also want to mull over any liability issues from having the machines themselves and the possible dangers that can arise simply from machines whose parts can heat to over 200 degrees.

Then you have intellectual freedom. Libraries are champions of providing information and access to everyone. However, when possible public safety issues, like with 3D printed weaponry, where do our responsibilities lie? The ALA tip sheet also discusses the use of this technology as a way to create pharmaceuticals, and how that same use could spread to illegal drug production.[iv]

These legal matters can be intimidating. The great part is that many libraries have begun this journey and have started thinking about these issues. Warning notices regarding copyright have been created, such as the one at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (available via the link). User agreements and liability waivers have been written with the assistance of legal counsel, like the one from the  Fayetteville Free Library.

Overall, can 3D printing present some daunting issues? Yes. However, the wonderful implications of this technology far outweigh the effort of overcoming the obstacles. 3D printers aren’t the first new product libraries have offered, nor will they be the last. Here’s to being brave new librarians!

Works Cited

[i] United For Libraries, Public Library Association, and ALA’s Office of Info Tech Policy. “American Library Association.” Progress in the Making: An Introduction to 3D Printing and Public Policy. September 2014. (accessed October 13, 2014).

[ii]Ibid.

[iii] Ibid.

[iv] Ibid.

Cover Image Credit: Chris McKenna

The post 3D Printing: New Horizons first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

A 3D printer can actually be purchased fairly inexpensively– for what it is. A quick online search shows that one could be bought for between $1,200.00 and $3,000.00 dollars.  The Westport (Connecticut) Library, actually has two. After training, residents can use the printer for free, while others are charged a nominal fee.[ii]

On the surface, this may seem like an interesting new direction for the public library. Who wouldn’t want to be able to see their ideas develop into something tangible before them? It is understandable to me that libraries would find this an appealing service to offer. However, I fear it is a path that is not fully thought through. After my initial exclamation, “How cool is that?” I began to consider the implications of having such a printer in a public library. I had an intuitive sense that this was a can of worms, but not any idea why. Clearly, it’s an expensive item should someone break it. Is there a maintenance contract? If something goes wrong it’s a far bigger issue than a paper jam. Though I suppose if one can afford to purchase the machine, the rest will fall into place.

As time has gone on, it appears that public use of a library’s3D printer comes with several other concerns. Librarians should have seen this coming. (Though I admit, it didn’t cross my mind.) Like paper printers there is the problem of copyright and in this case, also patent infringement.  Just because we can make something, or in this case, a copy of something, doesn’t mean we should. Like with the music industry this infringement has potential to not only include intellectual and creative property, but the extended concerns for file sharing and other forms of copying. [iii] The number of possible legal issues on this front alone could allow for the development of  a journal on the topic.

But there’s more to be concerned with. Problems have arisen not only with the legality of making the object, but with the objects being made. Among other things, it is a relatively simple and quick process to fabricate a complete working gun with no metal parts.[iv] The implications of this ability are frightening. What will all this mean for public libraries that have or get a 3D printer? Will there be additional insurance costs? By this I’m no longer thinking of the costs of protecting the equipment, but of protecting the library from any misdeeds that might be perpetrated by the person using the machine. If a patron uses the library’s printer to print a weapon and then uses it in a crime, does the library have any liability? How can we regulate users and not be discriminatory? And what of manufacturers who may wish to hold someone responsible for counterfeit items, sharing of design features, etc. We are, after all, just coming out of the smartphone design legal wars.[v]

As a public library, if you choose not offer this new device, it may not concern your patrons.  Apparently it is fast on its way to becoming available to home consumers.[vi]

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