Shaping new ideas: A case study on a library developed 3D model service for university instruction

Abstract 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 develop new models of applying 3D printing in other areas in order to maximize these resources. One way in which the academic library can extend the use of 3D printers is by offering them as a mechanism for creating custom designed 3D models for use in the classroom. By closing the skills gap in providing both the printer and the ability to design objects for faculty, academic libraries can open a new avenue for providing instructional services on campus.