As academic libraries are instituting 3D printing into their services, assessment of these programs is necessary. This paper analyses the 3D printing program at an academic library from inception through the one thousandth print request. Information such as who was using the library's 3D printers, were they associated with specific departments on…

Makerspaces have continued to be a popular addition to the services offered by libraries. This article will address the creation and implementation of one at a mid-sized medical library. The writer will summarize their personal experience of the steps taken towards opening the makerspace and give insight into the process. This article will also…

3D printers represent a significant financial investment for academic libraries. The development of makerspaces and other library provided services centered around this technology is a testament to the role these technologies can play in offering new resources to students. However, given the investment it behooves the academic library to work to…

Two material 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular, inexpensive and accessible. In this paper, freely available printable files and dual extrusion fused deposition modelling were combined to create a number of functional anatomical models. To represent muscle and bone FilaFlex[superscript 3D] flexible filament and polylactic acid (PLA)…

User experience is immeasurably important for your patrons as they access your Web site. This article presents tips and strategies for testing user experience, suggests a number of different popular technologies and tools that are used in the UX field, and lays out a plan for sharing and utilizing data to make improvements on your Web site. It is…

Opportunities to utilize 3D printing in the K-12 classroom are growing every day. This paper describes the process of implementing a 3D printing service in the Education Library of The University of Florida, Gainesville, a large, doctoral-degree granting, research university. Included are examples of lesson plans featuring 3D printing, creation of…

Initiating a 3D printing service in an academic library goes beyond justification of its value and gaining the necessary library and administrative support. Additional aspects such as policies, environmental safety, training, publicizing, maintenance, and scope of service must be considered. This article provides a guide to developing a 3D print…

In the corporate world, the "consumerization of IT" is being debated by C-level execs. Will libraries adopt the new bring-your-own-device-to-work policy? In the workplace, there may be room for debate, but in libraries, librarians don't have a choice whether or not to support the devices patrons want to use, at least not if they want to remain…

Discussion of development and management of a CD-ROM workstation for library reference services covers: (1) IBM compatibles; (2) computer storage capacity; (3) compact disk drives and printers; (4) file management; (5) protecting the integrity of a hard disk; and (6) backing up software. (three references) (MES)

Discusses some of the hardware and peripherals available to people with varied disabilities as an introduction to the things that Web designers and librarians will need to take into consideration when designing a site and selecting materials. Suggests guidelines for good design and tools for increased accessibility. (AEF)

Discusses current technology for electronic publishing, including various options in desktop-based, television-based, and portable platforms, and describes the capabilities of CD-I (compact disk-interactive). Future directions for electronic publishing in the areas of networking, potential for creativity in producing multimedia versions of titles,…

Examines four areas of planning for libraries before incorporating CD-ROM reference systems: (1) hardware, including a microcomputer, CD-ROM reader, and printer; (2) databases; (3) search and retrieval software; and (4) user education. (3 references) (MES)

Discusses telefacsimile technology and its possible uses in libraries. Applications for interlibrary loan, document retrieval, and reference services are described, speed and cost of service are examined, user satisfaction is discussed, and recent technological developments are reviewed, including the use of telefacsimile with microcomputers and…

Duke University's Perkins Library (North Carolina) tests electronic resources and services for remote accessibility by examining capabilities on various platforms, operating systems, communications software, and World Wide Web browsers. Problems occur in establishing connections, screen display, navigation or retrieval, keyboard variations, and in…