My local library has recently undergone renovations and the branch now includes a makerspace program with an additional room incorporated into the library remodel, which is designated solely to the makerspace activities. The room consists of sewing machines, laser printers, 3D printers and computers.
3D printing is a skill I have always been interested in attaining and developing, personally and professionally. Professionally, it is my understanding that 3D printing, coding and robotics are all areas that will grow exponentially in the future. Therefore, librarians should be as prepared as possible to expertly navigate and teach skills relating to these specific areas of IT. Personally, I dabble in miniature making for models and dollhouses and I am intrigued about how technological advancements in 3D printing have modified the hobby by offering alternative methods vs. traditional techniques.
I undertook three separate 3D printing sessions at the Noosa library. These sessions totalled 9 hours and followed the below structure:
Session 1:The fundamentals of 3D printing
- 3D modelling in Tinkercad and how to save design for printing
- How to print on the filament printer
This session we created a personalised keyring from scratch via Tinkercad. The keyring was then printed on a filament printer.
Session 2:
- Using 3D galleries to print existing objects that have already been modelled
- Setting up the filament printed to print
This session I printed dollhouse flowerpots and teacups from designs available on Thingiverse.
Session 3:
- Health and safety requirements
- How to use machinery without library staff present
- Intermediate level modelling properties onTinkercad
After this session I can official enter and use the makerspace room within the library during the hours of operation without a library staff member present.
I learnt so much from these sessions; they were extremely informative and transitioned seamlessly from beginner to an intermediate level. I walked in to the initial session as a complete novice with absolutely no previous experience with 3D printing and was nervous that the lessons would technically be too advanced. However, by the end of the final lesson I was confident in the skills I acquired and confidence that I would be able to relay these skills to others.
Having the skill to teach or assist with 3D printing was my main objective. As I work in a high school library part time, assisting students 3D printing and modelling would be useful. I remain passionate about facilitating the next generation with opportunities to gain exposure to the tools and skills needed to prepare them for the future. Like most technology 3D printing capabilities and machinery will continue to advance rapidly. Therefore I consider it necessary to commit to continued professional development each year to remain abreast of new developments in the field.