3D Printing

A Practical Guide for Librarians

By (author) Sara Russell Gonzalez, Denise Beaubien Bennett

Publication date:

08 May 2016

Length of book:

190 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781442255487

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 proposal
printer selection tips
preparing the location
addressing staff concerns for new service
developing service workflows and procedures
managing inevitable disasters
developing policies
conducting the “reference interview” for 3D printing
staff training tips
outreach activities

This book brings into one place all the guidance you need for developing and implementing a 3D printing service in any library.

List of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. 3D Printing and its Applications in Libraries
Chapter 2. 3D Printing and Printers
Chapter 3. Before You Can Print: Getting a Model
Chapter 4. What Makes a Good Printable Model?
Chapter 5. Estimating Expenses and Assessing Your Service
Chapter 6. Developing Your 3D Printing Services
Chapter 7. Policy Development
Chapter 8. Workflow
Chapter 9. Preparation and Staff Training
Chapter 10. Dealing with Difficulties
Chapter 11. Outreach and Marketing
Chapter 12. Looking Ahead
Glossary

Index
About the Authors

Our library has been offering 3D printing to our campus community since the summer of 2014, and boy would this book have been handy when we were getting started! It strikes a balance between offering enough information to get started, but not being overwhelmingly technical. I especially appreciated the inclusion of legal considerations specific to 3D printing.