Thanks so much for this Eric.

Edward Iglesias


On Thu, Jun 20, 2013 at 3:24 PM, Eric Lease Morgan <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Here is a pointer to a recent article on policies for 3D printers. FYI:
>
>   A Model for Managing 3D Printing Services in Academic Libraries
>   by Vincent F. Scalfani in Issues in Science and Technology
>   Librarianship, Spring 2013
>
>   The appearance of 3D printers in university libraries opens many
>   opportunities for advancing outreach, teaching, and research
>   programs. The University of Alabama (UA) Libraries recently
>   adopted 3D printing technology and maintains an open access 3D
>   Printing Studio. The Studio consists of a 3D printer, multiple 3D
>   design workstations, and other supporting equipment. Training of
>   new Studio users (students, faculty, and staff) is a two-step
>   process: an initial workshop followed by an individual training
>   session. After the individual meeting(s), users may access
>   equipment in the Studio independently. The 3D Printing Studio
>   service is popular across campus. During early implementation, 50
>   users have attended training workshops. 3D users have
>   experimented in the Studio with projects for advanced coursework
>   and independent research. It is expected that the number of
>   trained users will double in the near future. An evaluation of
>   our management policies suggests that providing an open access
>   environment and permitting users to experiment independently in
>   the 3D Printing Studio contributes greatly to the success of the
>   service. We also present ideas for future improvements to the 3D
>   Studio service.
>
>   http://bit.ly/19lo3x9
>
> FYI
>
> --
> ELM
>