3D Printing and the library of the future

There’s a traditional picture of the library of the past as a quiet, somewhat musty room filled with books and a stern, bespectacled middle aged librarian behind the counter. But what does the library of the present look like? And where will it go in future? The answers are becoming clear as these repositories of community knowledge are changing with the times to feature more digital and technology based resources as drawcards for visitors young and old.

Already, libraries across New Zealand and the world are equipped with computers, internet connections and ebooks. With the arrival of low-cost 3D printing, these forward-looking facilities can add a further attraction for the library, providing visitors with the ability to engage with, experience and use a fascinating new and game-changing technology.

That’s according to Paul Francois, product manager at Comworth Technologies. “Putting a 3D printer in every library nationwide is now a distinct possibility. It’s not just a question of cost, either – but also one of ease of use which allows any librarian or even visitor to set up and print an object with minimal training,” he notes.

Francois points to the XYZ Printing Da Vinci, which retails for well under $1000. “Not only is this device affordable, but it is almost as easy to set up and use as a standard printer is. Capable of producing models of up to 20 cubic centimetres, the consumable pack is affordable, too, priced around $45. That means a model the size of a pack of cards costs around $1- $2.”

With plenty of free 3D software from the likes of Microsoft, Google and many others, 3D printing isn’t just about the device; it is a an exciting world of technology which is accessible and affordable for libraries and, by extension, the communities they serve.

A recent One News report[1] confirms that libraries are undergoing a transformation in response to the rise of the internet; Upper Hutt Library says physical book lending decreased by 10% in the last, while E-book lending grew by 90%, a trend which is believed to be taking hold across the country.

Appearing in the report, Auckland Council libraries manager Allison Dobbie points out that libraries have always moved with the times to provide services additional to book lending: “Once upon a time we provided type writers and cassette players; now we provide computers and scanners. In the future we will be providing 3D printers and other creative technology.”

Internationally, librarians recognise the necessity to incorporate emerging technologies to broaden their appeal. Publishersweekly[2]notes, ‘Technology plays an important role in helping school librarians teach, and in helping students learn. In fact, the modern library is no longer a repository for books—it has been transformed into interactive “makerspaces” where patrons can connect, create, and utilize technology. Many public libraries now offer the option of checking out tablets for reading e-books, and they allow users to create objects via 3-D printers.’

Francois says quality, ease of use and affordability means a real opportunity for libraries to provide 3D printers to run workshops in the weekends or school holidays, capitalising on the growing trend and interest in science and technology. “Providing on-demand facilities for students , hobbyists or small businesses means libraries can cement their value and draw in new segments of the community. It’s a further opportunity for the libraries of the present and the future to lead the way in embracing new technology.”

The more a library can offer, the more it stays relevant and provides services that people want, he continues. “Books have always been the central business of any library and the principle of providing access to other technology, including 3D printing, ensures libraries will continue to hold a vital role in the collating and sharing of community knowledge,” Francois concludes.

[1] http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/technology-forcing-libraries-transform-6003372

[2] http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/columns-and-blogs/common-core/article/61831-cut-to-the-core-modesto-to-replace-librarians-with-teachers.html