Introduction
The Mission of the Makerspace
The University of Alberta Library has a mission to provide service for the advancement of teaching, learning, and research within the University of Alberta community and beyond. In addition to providing access to the past and present through collections, we aim to offer support for the future with spaces and expertise that support the growing use of technology in scholarship.
The Makerspace located at the Digital Scholarship Centre is intended to provide the University of Alberta community with an interdisciplinary space where researchers and students can learn and experiment with making technologies. By providing access to tools that are often expensive or not part of the standard university curriculum, the library hopes to awaken the curiosity and creativity of the community. The Makerspace is a place for experimenting, testing, and exploring creativity. With the Makerspace, the library hopes to foster a community that creates, seeks to answer questions, and develops solutions for real-world problems.
Purpose of this Ebook
The purpose of this ebook is to prepare you for use of the library Makerspace. It includes important safety information and policies you will need to be aware of when you come on-site. It will also provide you guidance on how to use the 3D printers available in the Makerspace. This book will only cover certification for the 3D printing tools and if you wish to use other tools in the Makerspace you will need to complete separate certifications for those devices.
The certification process consists of three steps:
- The completion of this Ebook.
- Successful completion of the certification test
- A short 30-minute onsite orientation with library staff
Accessing the Makerspace
Who can use the Makerspace?
The Makerspace is free to be used by anyone in the University of Alberta community, including students, staff, or faculty. Members of the public not affiliated with the University may be granted access on a case-by-case basis by contacting: dsc.library@ualberta.ca. For safety and liability reasons, all users of the Makerspace must complete certification for the machines they are using. This includes separate certifications for 3D Printers, Cutting Tools (Fabool Laser Cutter, Cricut), and 3D Scanners.
When can you use the Makerspace?
Follow the current information regarding hours and access through the DSC website. Please note, you need to ensure you can fully complete your print jobs during DSC’s open hours.
What can you create?
The Digital Scholarship Centre is equipped with a variety of devices that will allow you to scan, print, and cut certain materials. The Makerspace includes four Ultimaker 3D printers, one Formlabs resin printer, a Fabool laser cutter, a Cricut maker machine, and two types of 3D scanners.
- The 3D scanners enable you to scan objects, even faces, and render a 3D model that can then be repaired and modified for 3D animation or printing.
- The 3D printers will enable you to render digital models into physical objects.
- The laser cutter is capable of cutting paper and wood up to 2 mm thick and engraving images and text on wood.
- The Cricut Maker machine is capable of cutting paper, fabric, cardboard and chipboard.
Using one or a combination of these tools presents a great variety of possibilities. Whether you are a student in Engineering or an Arts Major, the tools of the Makerspace can support class projects, help with research or be used to tinker and learn.
