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Article
Launching a 3D Printing Program for Students: Recommendations and Best Practices for Libraries
Georgia Library Quarterly
  • Wilhelmina Randtke, Georgia Southern University
  • Nathaniel Lee Bareford, Georgia Southern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2023
Abstract

The Georgia Southern University Libraries launched a 3D printing program for students in July 2022. Prior to launch, library employees at two of Georgia Southern University’s campuses investigated options for implementing safe, affordable, and sustainable 3D printing in existing academic libraries without retrofitting costly ventilation systems into existing facilities. This article describes the reasons why the Georgia Southern University Libraries thought that a 3D printing program could fulfill a service need for students across university colleges and departments and outlines some of the challenges, best practices, and unique innovations that the library’s employees experienced throughout the program launch process. The article makes several recommendations that other libraries, particularly those with limited resources, may take advantage of if they are considering launching their own 3D printing program.

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The Georgia Library Quarterly is a refereed, open-access journal focusing on library and information science.

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Citation Information
Wilhelmina Randtke and Nathaniel Lee Bareford. "Launching a 3D Printing Program for Students: Recommendations and Best Practices for Libraries" Georgia Library Quarterly Vol. 60 Iss. 1 (2023) p. 14 - 18 ISSN: 2157-0396
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/wilhelmina-randtke/80/