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DSC

    A Decade of Layers: Celebrating 10 Years of 3D Printing at the Library

    by Jessica Thorlakson + Chris Bateman
    written by Jessica Thorlakson + Chris Bateman

    In February 2016, a collaboration between Cameron Library and the Faculty of Science’s makerspace, The Shack, launched the University of Alberta Library’s first 3D printing service. What began with four Machina Mk2 X20 printers and training from The Shack has evolved into a sophisticated operation. Ten years later, that “low-barrier” experiment has blossomed into a campus-wide service for additive manufacturing which includes service out of Sperber Library as well as an unmediated, hands-on service in the Digital Scholarship Centre. 

    The original Machina Mk2 X20 printers
    In 2019 we purchesed these Prusa 3D printers,
    and we’ve been happily using these since! 

    By the Numbers

    The impact of this free, mediated service for students and faculty is staggering:

    • 11,051: Total submissions since 2016.
    • 4,000: Models reviewed in 2025 alone.
    • While Arts, Engineering, and Science are the top users, we support research in nearly every faculty on campus.
    Jacq Lars. (2020, April 24). [Photo]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3501911120649&set=g.1045625562473542

    Did You Know?

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, our printers left the library to join the Alberta 3D PPE effort, helping produce 12,000 ear savers and 500 face shields for first responders.

    Join the Celebration!

    We’re throwing a party and you’re invited. Come for the history, stay for the custom charms.

    • When: March 17th, 12:00 PM –  5:00 PM
    • Where: Cameron Library, Main Floor
    • What: Live demos, giveaways, and a chance to make a custom keychain with 3D printed charms.

    Enter to Win:

    Snap a photo of your keychain creation and email it to make.library@ualberta.ca by March 20th at 6:00 PM MST for a chance to win ONEcard cash prizes of $100, $50, or $25!

    Full contest rules can be found here.
    Interested in learning more about 3D printing? Visit our website: https://www.library.ualberta.ca/services/3dprinting

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  • Virtual Reality Lab: An Immersive Experience at the New Health Sciences Library

    by Guest Author
    by Guest Author

    University of Alberta Library is celebrating the new Geoffrey & Robyn Sperber Health Sciences Library, which is anticipated to open in Fall 2023. This post is part of a series of posts that will showcase the Sperber Library over the next several months. This blog post was written by: Connie Winther, Lydia Zvyagintseva and Lisa Tjosvold  Imagine being able to see the inside of a body in three dimensions, or experiencing what your vision might be…

  • 3D Printing Services at the new Geoffrey and Robyn Sperber Health Sciences Library!

    by Guest Author
    by Guest Author

    University of Alberta Library is celebrating the new Geoffrey & Robyn Sperber Health Sciences Library, which is anticipated to open in Fall 2023. This post is part of a series of posts that will showcase the Sperber Library over the next several months. This blog post was written by: Liz Dennett, Jessica Thorlakson and Lydia Zvyagintseva The University of Alberta Library is excited to extend our successful 3D printing program when the new Geoffrey and…

  • Spaces and Workshops in the Digital Scholarship Centre

    by Guest Author
    by Guest Author

    By Sean LisSean is a student assistant at the Digital Scholarship Centre and a graduate student in the Digital Humanities. If you’ve ever been on Cameron Library’s second floor, you’ll have doubtlessly encountered the glowing sign and glass walls of the Digital Scholarship Centre (DSC). If the doors are open, come take a look and maybe chat with staff; take it from me, the DSC is the place to be! Whether you…

  • Making in the Digital Scholarship Centre

    by Guest Author
    by Guest Author

    In the fall of 2019, just before the pandemic disruptions began, the library opened a new area on the 2nd floor of Cameron Library called the Digital Scholarship Centre (DSC). The mission of the DSC is to advance research and learning using technology. The DSC is an official research centre and supports the University community by providing expertise, tools and space for the use of technology.  After working on an appointment basis…