The document summarizes the process undertaken by the University of Maryland, Baltimore Health Sciences and Human Services Library to establish an Innovation Space/makerspace. A task force was convened and produced a white paper evaluating the benefits and requirements for a makerspace. The task force visited other local makerspaces and recommended establishing an open access makerspace. The library has since launched the Innovation Space, providing orientations, workshops, and access to 3D printing and scanning equipment. Usage has been growing as the space gains awareness on campus. Future plans include expanding offerings and programming to further engage the community.
1. Bohyun Kim, Associate Director for Library Applications and Knowledge
Systems
Everly Brown, Head of Information Services
University of Maryland, Baltimore, Health Sciences and Human Services
ALA Annual Conference, San Francisco,
CA
Sat. June 27, 2015 - 4:30pm to 5:30pm
2. A. Planning for a Makerspace
• Current practices in makerspaces in academic libraries, school
libraries, and local communities
• Mediated vs. open service model
B. Implementation Process
C. Challenges & Lessons Learned
• Programming and marketing
• Space and staffing considerations
D. Current Use & Future Directions
E. Q & A
4. • University of Maryland, Baltimore – Health Science
Campus.
• Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work,
Graduate, and Law Schools are present.
• No engineering or art school on the campus.
• Few examples of a makerspace at a large academic
health sciences library.
5. • University of Virginia, Claude Moore Health Sciences
Library
• Purchased a 3D printer, but it was never put on the floor.
• Users contact the library to use the 3D printer.
• University of Michigan, Taubman Health Sciences Library
• No makerspace facility.
• Refers patrons to the large makerspace facility in the main
university library.
• Currently under construction and has no walk-in patrons.
6. • Convened early spring, 2014.
• Two associate directors chaired the Task Force.
• AD in Library Applications and Knowledge Systems (LAKS)
• AD in Operations
• Members
• Head of the Information Services
• Instructional technologist – IT/LAKS
• Subcommittee
• IT support specialist – IT/LAKS
• Reference specialist – Services
7. • “Write a report with recommendations to
create a makerspace within the HS/HSL. The
aim of the makerspace is to promote
technological experimentation and idea
prototyping at UMB. The report should
address the topics below and any others
relevant to the development of the space.”
8. • Definition and scope of makerspace at the HS/HSL
• Benefits or value to the University community
• Equipment/technology, software, tools, etc.
• Potential locations within the building and associated
building modifications necessary
• Expertise required to manage and maintain the space
• Expertise required to offer (any) services
• Audience for the space
• Ways to engage users or stakeholders in the design
• Potential campus partners and scalability of the
project
• Recommendations to keep in front of the technology
• Possible funding models (cost recovery, partnerships
in funding, for instance)
9. • What exactly a makerspace is.
• Whether it is relevant to UMB and HS/HSL.
• What it would take to create one at HS/HSL.
• What kind of service it will provide.
• How it can be managed by the existing staff.
• How it can be promoted to the campus.
• Details such as location, service model, staffing,
equipment for implementation
• Cost and the funding model
10. • The HS/HSL was interested in investing in innovative
technology such as 3D printing and a makerspace.
• In light of the tight operating budget, the HS/HSL needed
to ensure that such investment would be relevant to the
campus community and justifiable from the financial point
of view at the same time.
11. 1. White Paper (over 70 pages)
I. Executive Summary
II. Why Do We Want a Makerspace at UMB HS/HSL?
III. Environmental Scan
IV. Recommendations for HS/HSL
V. References
VI. 6 Appendices
2. Meetings with the potential stakeholders on campus
3. Site visits – Johns Hopkins, Fab Lab at CCBC,
MICA, BUGSS
12. • Appendix 1. Environmental scan: academic library
makerspaces
• Appendix 2. Environmental scan: local makerspaces
• Appendix 3. Environmental scan: public library
makerspaces
• Appendix 4. List of equipment and tools for the HS/HSL
makerspace
• Appendix 5. Learning experience with a 3d modeling
software, Google SketchUp/Tinkercad
• Appendix 6. Google SketchUp user guide
13. • Literature review & makerspace webpages & site visits
• Vision
• Role
• Staffing
• Service
• Programming
• Space
• Equipment
• Operation Policies
• Cost Recovery & Funding
• Usage Pattern
14. • Vision – Little information online (Due to the experimental nature?)
• Role – Universal access to new technology on campus; Rapid
prototyping for independent study, research, instruction, course
projects
• Staffing – Students or existing library staff, shorter hours (often by
appointment)
• Service – Mediated service model
(Exception: Univ. of Alabama’s open-access model)
• Programming – varying degree of support with 3D printing (less for
3D modeling)
• Space – Often at science and engineering libraries
• Equipment – Mostly 3D printers
• Operation Policies – Costs and FAQs
• Cost Recovery & Funding – Charge by weight
• Usage Pattern – Demand may be small but the high rate of repeat
users
15. • The local makerspaces reviewed include five at
academic institutions and several independent
membership-based makerspaces such as Baltimore
Node, Baltimore Hackerspace, and Baltimore
Underground Science Space (BUGSS).
• Among these, the Task Force visited 4 local
makerspaces :
• DMC at JHU
• Fab Lab at CCBC
• Digital Fabrication Studio at MICA
• Baltimore Underground Science Space (BUGSS)
• It is to be noted that the four local makerspaces at JHU, CCBC,
MICA, and Towson do not belong to a library.
16. • Vision: Promotion of science and research; Creation;
Innovation
• Role: Rapid prototyping, course projects, biotechnology for the
public
• Staffing: Fully-staffed vs. only during certain hours
• Service: Equipment checkout, use, workshop, group-training,
on-site help
• Programming: Workshops and gatherings well attended.
• Space: 1,500-3,400 sq. ft.
• Equipment: 3D printer, scanner, laser cutter, CNC router, other
machinery
• Operation Policies: Safety training, set hours, staff help vs.
collaboration
• Cost Recovery & Funding: Student fees vs. membership dues.
Startup funding often from donations.
• Usage Pattern: Importance of building an active maker
community
17. • Vision: A communal space for inspiration, creation,
collaboration
• Role: Commitment to community service (sometimes limited to
teens or children)
• Staffing: A limited schedule
• Service: Mostly library staff with some training
• Programming: A wide range of classes – 3D cookie cutter lab,
R-Pi, audio-engineering, robotics club, Arduino, etc.
• Space: Large rooms with many broad tables, equipment,
supplies
• Equipment: 3D printers, laser cutters, etc.
• Operation Policies: Required classes before un-mediated work
with machinery
18. • Vision: Promote, support, and facilitate hands-on
learning and research activities and creative
experimentation, which are vital to innovation.
• Role: Provide access to 3D printing/modeling
technology to enable UMB students, faculty, and
researchers to quickly build a prototype to test theoretical
ideas and concepts and to keep them up-to-date with
technologies that drive current innovations in healthcare
and biomedical research.
19. • Service Model: We recommend the HS/HSL
makerspace operate on the open studio model with the
mandatory completion of safety training and a workshop
that introduces patrons to the basics of 3D modeling and
the other tools and resources available in the
makerspace.
• Educational Training: We recommend that the HS/HSL
makerspace offer regular training and workshops on 3D
modeling to grow more 3D modeling users on campus.
20. • Access Policy: The HS/HSL makerspace should be
open and accessible to all UMB students, faculty, and
researchers. The Task Force recommends that users
complete mandatory safety training and the introductory
workshop on 3D modeling and 3D printing before being
granted the full access.
• Makerspace Programming Committee: This committee
will plan and organize interesting talks, presentations,
making activities, and workshops by inviting UMB
students and faculty and other local makers and
scientists.
21. • Apr. 2014: Task Force convened
• July 31, 2014: White paper released
• Presented to the library administration and librarians.
• The white paper by the Task Force was received favorably.
• The library staff was enthusiastic about having a makerspace at the
HS/HSL.
• Equipment purchase approved and ordered.
• Nov. 2014: Equipment in the library!
• Nov. 2014: Getting used to 3D printing and 3D modeling
• Dec. 2014: Jan. 2015 – Staff training
• Feb. – Mar. 2015: All the things implementation! Location,
Space preparation, Policy, Staff workflow, Web development,
Signage, LibGuide, LibCal, Orientation design and orienter
training, Pricing scheme, Promotion, Naming contest, and
more.
• Apr. 21, 2015: The Innovation Space Launch
22. • Location: Brought in existing tables and unused long
cabinet to the empty area next to the Reference Desk
(apprx. 300 sq. ft.)
• Service: Open service model with the mandatory
orientation/safety training
• Security: Honor system
• Staffing: 4-5 Orienters (all IT except 1 Reference Desk
staff)
The Reference Desk staff handles the pick-up process of
the 3D printed objects and also answers questions by
curious patrons passing by.
• Pricing: $3 for up to 1 hr of 3D printing time + $1 per hr
after.
(No charge for a failed print)
• Payment: Circulation desk where library fines are paid.
23.
24. • Budget for equipment purchase
• Campus partnership for funding
• Possible grants
• Location / Space / Furniture & Equipment Security
• Ultimately depends on what the budget allows for you to do.
• Pricing
• Payment
• Staff training, Staffing, Staff workflow
25. • Staff
• Learning to operate and being ready to serve takes time.
• Staff training for both staff buy-in and to relieve staff anxiety
• Staff workflow was created with full feedback from both the IT and
the Reference desk staff.
• Campus stakeholders
• Engaging campus stakeholders is an ongoing process.
• Interest =/= Willingness to invest
• The Initiative by a library is sometimes crucial.
• HS/HSL Innovation Space is the only open-access facility for 3D
printing and scanning on the UMB campus.
26. • IT staff had a month to explore 3D printers in their area.
• To build staff confidence about the new technology, a
unique staff training model was developed.
• The IT and the Reference Desk staff were paired to train together.
• Scheduled and watched two Lynda.com tutorials together.
• A team exercise was created, and a detailed libguide was drafted
to walk through the 3D printing process step-by-step.
• IT and Reference desk staff were divided into two-member teams
and did 3D printing exercises together to become comfortable with
the new technology.
• After the group training, the team exercise, and the 3D
printing assignment of downloading a 3D model file and
printing it out using a 3D printer, the staff confidence
significantly improved.
27.
28. • A high performance PC with a special video card highly
recommended for a 3D scanner (3D Systems Sense
Scanner)
• Makerbot Replicator 2X is very picky. Only ABS is
accepted.
• Afinia H480 is very reliable.
• Makerbot PLA is not compatible with Afinia H480.
• Buy filament by your 3D printer vendor
• Think about pricing way in advance.
• No staff wants to measure the 3D printed object for cost.
• Users want a simple pricing schema.
• $3 for the 1st hour of 3D printing time and $1 per hr. after is
reasonable to users. (No complaint received; No charge for a
failed print.)
• Determine and implement the payment process and the
staff workflow early.
29. • Print out many example 3D models with printing time and
cost.
• Models with and without support/raft.
• Finishing tools
• LiveCam for 3D printers – Users love this.
30.
31.
32. • Reservation 24 hours in advance
• A 30-min to 1-hour one-on-one orientation with one of the
orienters.
• Detailed LibGuide with How-To tutorials
• 3D print job submission form + 3D print staff admin portal is in
place.
• Everyone loves the 3D scanner demo.
• Workshops started in June.
• For the last 2 months, we have done a dozen orientations, 2
workshops, and (on-demand) 3 classes and show-and-tell
demos.
• So far, one object has been 3D printed by a user.
• It takes time for users to learn about the new technology and getting
to do something with it on their own.
40. • Orientations
• Workshops
• On-demand classes
• More incorporation into the curriculum in the future
• Motivation of attendees
• A custom part design for a lab equipment
• 3D model for teaching & hands-on learning
• Personal/Professional purpose – a social worker, an architect, an IT
trainer, a nurse, etc.
• Questions by Users
• Biosafety of the material?
• How to 3D model an object?
• How small an object can one scan?
• How to transform a photo to a 3D model?
41. • More workshops
• More outreach and introduction to different schools
• Talks and events
• Building a community
• Expanding space as the Reference Desk moves to the
Circ Desk.
• Visualization wall & other offerings beyond 3D
printing/scanning
• More targeted promotion
• Sustainable funding model and source
42. • Bagley, Caitlin. 2014. “What Is a Makerspace? Creativity in the
Library.” ALA TechSource. Accessed May 30.
http://www.alatechsource.org/blog/2012/12/what-is-a-makerspace-
creativity-in-the-library.html.
• Colegrove, Tod. 2013. “Editorial Board Thoughts: Libraries as
Makerspace?” Information Technology & Libraries 32 (1): 2–5.
• Doorley, Scott, and Scott Witthoft. 2012. Make Space: How to Set
the Stage for Creative Collaboration. 1 edition. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley.
quoted in Kurt, Lisa, and Tod Colegrove. 2012. “3D Printers in the
Library: Toward a Fablab in the Academic Library.” ACRL
TechConnect Blog. http://acrl.ala.org/techconnect/?p=1403.
• Groenendyk, Michael, and Riel Gallant. 2013. “3D Printing and
Scanning at the Dalhousie University Libraries: A Pilot Project.”
Library Hi Tech 31 (1): 34–41. doi:10.1108/07378831311303912.
• Henry, Alan. 2012. “How To Find And Get Involved With A
Hackerspace.” Lifehacker.
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/05/how-to-find-and-get-involved-
with-a-hackerspace-in-your-community/.
43. • Hlavin, Matt. 2014. “3-D Printing: The Next Industrial Revolution.”
Design Appliance, March 21.
http://www.appliancedesign.com/articles/93930--d-printing-the-next-
industrial-revolution.
• Prince, J. Dale. 2014. “3D Printing: An Industrial Revolution.” Journal of
Electronic Resources in Medical Libraries 11 (1): 39–45.
doi:10.1080/15424065.2014.877247.
• Pryor, Steven. 2014. “Implementing a 3D Printing Service in an
Academic Library.” Journal of Library Administration 54 (1): 1–10.
doi:10.1080/01930826.2014.893110.
• SciBytes. 2014. “3-D Printing Reshapes Medicine.” SciBytes.
http://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/scibytes/3d_printing_reshapes_med
icine.
• Vincent F. Scalfani, and Josh Sahib. 2013. “A Model for Managing 3D
Printing Services in Academic Libraries.” Issues in Science and
Technology Librarianship. doi:10.5062/F4XS5SB9.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5062/F4XS5SB9.
• Wolterbeek, Mike. 2012. “DeLaMare Science and Engineering Library
First in Nation to Offer 3D Printing Campuswide.” Nevada Today, July 9.
http://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2012/3d-copier.