3D Printing

Planning and implementing a 3D printing service in a library may seem like a daunting task. Based upon the authors’ experience as early adopters of 3D technology and running a successful 3D printing service at a large academic library, this guide provides the steps to follow when launching a service in any type of library.

Detailed guidance and over 50 graphics provide readers with sage guidance and detailed instructions on:

planning a proposalprinter selection tipspreparing the locationaddressing staff concerns for new servicedeveloping service workflows and proceduresmanaging inevitable disastersdeveloping policiesconducting the “reference interview” for 3D printingstaff training tipsoutreach activities
This book brings into one place all the guidance you need for developing and implementing a 3D printing service in any library.

Sara Russell Gonzalez is the Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Visualization Librarian at the Marston Science Library at the University of Florida. A former geophysicist, her research interests include emerging technologies in libraries, modeling and visualization of data, and scientific literacy instruction. She coordinates the Marston Science Library Visualization room, the MADE@UF software development lab, and the 3D printing service with Denise Bennett.

Denise Beaubien Bennett is an Engineering Librarian Emeritus at the Marston Science Library at the University of Florida. She held many offices in divisions of ALA, including RUSA and RUSA MARS, the ACRL Science and Technology Section, and MARBI. She served as General Editor for ALA's Guide to Reference, and as the Division Editor of its Science, Technology, and Medicine Section. Her research interests include database searching, indexing, and evaluation; science librarianship; evaluation of reference tools; and responsible conduct of research (RCR) training. Her latest service interest is implementing 3D printing in academic libraries.