Tramps like us, baby we were born to run

Well friends we have come to the end of an era... okay to the end of the semester.  I didn't have any expectations coming into this class.  I knew just a little about what it was going to cover but I knew that I wanted to have some tech classes before I graduated.  And this summer was the last opportunity for me to do so.  My next two semesters are going to be booked with the rest of my core classes.

But I had a lot of fun exploring more about social media and other Web 2.0 tech.  It was great to read everyone's opinions and even try to change some of them (cough:archivesocialmedia:cough).  I can definitely say that this has been one of my favorite classes so far even with Joomla (lol) and some of the other frustrations that I've had to go through.

Technically this post is a bit late since I forgot to post yesterday due to working on my poster and finished up my paper.  But better late than never I suppose!

I haven't checked out any of your posters yet but I'm sure they are quite impressive.  For mine I used Adobe Illustrator and then converted it into a pdf and jpeg file.  There is a very small picture of it in the previous post but unfortunately I don't have anything other than that available at the moment.  I'll be fiddling with stuff though so if you do wish to check it out, stop by this blog again.

Good luck to everyone and have a great summer!

Printing in the 3rd Dimension

Click picture for larger version

Introduction

What would it be like to have the Replicator from Star Trek?  Many trekkies and non-trekkies alike have probably wondered about this.  While the Replicator itself is a bit beyond our reach at the moment, the idea behind it is already a part of our technology landscape.  3D printers are slowly become a fixture in everyone’s lives, you’ve probably seen them in news articles or even in your local library.  

But what is 3D printing?  The technology has been around for quite some time but it hasn’t been until within the last few years that the regular Joe off the street could take advantage of this technology.  The 3D printing “is a type of additive manufacturing: a three-dimensional object is created by laying down successive layers of material that adhere to one another, creating a three-dimensional output” says Kurt and Colgrove (2012).  Jason Griffey has a similar definition stating that “the simplest way to image a 3-D printer is that it’s a machine that makes bigger things out of smaller blocks.  In some cases, the ‘blocks’ are a powder; in others, they are melted plastic” (p. 5).  Another way of thinking about it would be to think about how you make a brick wall.  You continually place layer upon layer of brick on top of each other with grout in between.  With 3D printing the plastic is heated so that it will stick to itself.  In this paper I will be presenting the views of those following or within the industry of 3D printing, I will discuss who is using the technology, and what it holds for the future.

Literature Review

3D printing isn’t quite as new as many people may think.  It has been around for a little more than a decade according to several articles by Jason Griffey (2014), Massis (2013), and Moorefield-Lang (2014).  Moorefield-Lang describes some of the first 3D prints which “were held together with cornstarch and glue, similar to Play-Doh modeling compound” (2014, p. 72).  Today, the different plastics and resins that printers use are much better.  So why have we only seen a boom in 3D printing for the past few years?  Well one of the larger problems has been the cost of entry.  3D printers were just too expensive for a library or other non-commercial institution to afford.  But within the last few years this has changed quite significantly.  Advances in the technology have brought us far enough that consumer grade units are now dotting the landscape with much more frequency.  “With the cost of technology inevitably dropping over time, and processes becoming more effective… a 3D printer is affordable for library use…” (Massis, 2013, p. 351).    

But as with most new things many people ask why.  Why have 3D printers in the library.  Almost all of the articles agree that one of the main reasons why is because libraries have been the go-to place to experience technology before it was widely available in home.  From the first typewriters to laser printers, libraries are often where people are able to interact with technology that may not be widely available to the consumer.  Griffey states “that libraries, especially public libraries, have often been a technological leveler for their communities” (p. 5).  While Ambler, Brosz, and Powelson say that “the library’s role as a central, discipline-neutral space for collaboration and innovation makes it ideally situated to make visualization technology available” (p. 236).  Librarians “are the technology leaders of their schools, communities, and universities” according to Moorefield-Lang (2015).

Current Applications of 3D Printing

Makerspaces, hackerspaces, fab labs are all becoming a part of the library.  Places where people don’t just consume, they also create (Colgrove, 2013).  3D printers are a great way of providing the means to do so.  If you can think it, more than likely it can be printed.  Jon Cobb, “executive vice president of corporate affairs, Stratasys Ltd. talks about how a library in downtown San Diego has multiple 3D printers and that the 3D printing lab is one of the most popular areas in the library (Pickett, 2014, p. 20).  Colgrove (2013) gives a few examples of how makerspaces are being used, one being how a child reading about robots can get hands on experience working with toolkits.  Another is a group of students who are able to get a 3D version of a chemical model in order to “tangibly explore the subject from all angles,” and the is the idea that people can meld knowledge from multiple disciplines and interact with people in those fields “in a non-threatening environment; learning, developing, and testing ideas…” (p. 4).  Moorefield-Lang (2014) showcases two different instructors in her article who received Makerbot 3D printers.  The first one is an art teacher who is incorporating the technology into her class making things like key chains and even a small house.  She has plans to include the 3D printer in an Asian art lesson by creating Chinese calligraphy seals (p. 70).  The other is a librarian who was in the process of creating a makerspace which would include “a sewing machine, large-screen television, old typewriter…” and of course the 3D printer (p. 71).  

Challenges

With new technology, come new challenges.  And 3D printing is no exception.  Training is a large issue that was mentioned several times by multiple articles.  Many of the librarians and teachers who have adopted 3D printers don’t have formal training.  With a large number of them picking up knowledge from “peers in the field, YouTube, and other online sources, student assistants, friends, parent and community volunteers, as well as general exploration and tinkering…” (Moorefield-Lang, 2015, p. 110).  Also finding or hiring the staff to be in charge of this new technology can become a burden for time and budget.  If your institution doesn’t have enough funding to hire someone, then it will depend on existing staff to pick up the slack.  But that puts more pressure on them, especially when they have other duties they need to fulfill.  Picket (2015) quotes several prominent figures in the 3D printing industry who talk about the challenges facing this technology.  Donovan Weber “COO and co founder of Forecast 3-D” states “ultimately, we need faster printers, and we need more and better materials” (p. 20).  Robin Raskin “founder of Living in Digital Times and a tech expert” has similar views as Weber.  Her suggestions are “to create 3-D printers that are faster and more robust… new print materials… larger print platforms… and better print resolutions” (p. 21).  There is also the issue with 3D printing and copyright.  If a patron wants to print a copy of their favorite action figure or character that is a violation of that law.  “Libraries and library patrons must be aware of such issues when making use of this technology.  The library must be fully cognizant of these issues so that staff can guide the patron in the proper and legally acceptable use of the 3D printing process” (Massis, 2013, p. 352).

Conclusion

The future of 3D printing is looking quite bright.  With prices continuously falling and better technology being developed maybe the idea of the Replicator from Star Trek isn’t as silly as it once may have seemed.  Time will help clear some of the obstacles like training and better, more efficient materials.  Some challenges like cost will probably constantly be a battle but that is common among non-technological aspects of many institutions.  I think that while the current crop of 3D printers are quite remarkable, the future appears more interesting.  Faster print times, more detailed results, better firmware to help minimize bad prints.  Right now we’re where laser-printing was when it was first introduced.  It was this amazing thing but now it’s mundane.  Everyone and their mother has a printer at home it seems like.  There are some amazing websites that people can browse to see what sorts of objects people have printed.  There are several 3D printing services on the web as well such as sculpteo.com and shapeways.com.

I’m glad to see libraries adding makerspaces.  I am one of those people who like to learn in a hands-on type of approach.  And I think it can been a great boon for libraries to not only have the literature about a subject, but to also be able to provide access to technology that many, if not most, people are unable to experience right now in the comfort of their own home.  3D printing gives minds, young and old, the ability to see something that they created in a program become real in a way that most technology doesn’t provide.

References

Colegrove, T. (2013). “Editorial board thoughts: libraries as makerspace?” Information Technology and Libraries 32(1), p. 2-5.

Griffey, J. (2012). “Absolutely fab-ulous.” Library Technology Reports 48(3), p. 21-24.

Griffey, J. (2014). “Chapter 1: 3-D printers for libraries.” Library Technology Reports 50(5), p. 5-7.

Massis, B.E. (2013). “3D printing and the library.” New Library World 114(7/8), p. 351-354.

Moorefield-Lang, H. (2014). “3-D printing in your libraries and classrooms.” Knowledge Quest 43(1), p. 70-72.

Moorefield-Lang, H. (2015). “Change in the making: Makerspaces and the ever-changing landscape of libraries.” Techtrends 59(3), p. 107-112.

Pickett, L. (2015). “3-D printing: The new normal.”  available at http://www.appliancedesign.com/articles/94377--d-printing-the-new-normal

Websites:

www.sketchup.google.com

http://www.thingiverse.com/

http://www.sculpteo.com/en/

http://www.shapeways.com/

http://www.3ders.org/

A Dialogue for Two

 

Content Management Systems (CMS) are designed to provide tools to users for editing, publishing, and organizing content for the web.  They can be open sourced software or be a part of a paid commercial package, both of which have their pros and cons.  As we have read so far in class, some libraries have preferred one over the other but neither is the panacea of web programming.  I interviewed VSU Odum Library’s Michael Holt, who gave permission to use his name in this paper.  The interview was conducted via email and happened on May 27, 2015.

The name of the CMS Odum is using is LibGuides and is created by a company called Springshare.  The library has been using this CMS since late 2013 according to Holt.  I asked how and where they heard about this CMS which got the reply “I heard about it soon after I started working as a professional academic librarian in 2010.  There was a lot of suggestion that we adopt the platform among my colleagues, but there was a lot of debate over how we would pay for it.”  LibGuides is not open source code nor is it free of charge, which Holt believes is a detracting factor of the software.  He states, “I like my technology infinitely customizable and you just can’t do that when the product is closed source.”  We have read that open source software is indeed more flexible and you have more control on its customizations as compared to commercially provided products as with the case for CCFLS.  I asked whether academic libraries would be better using a commercial system for content management or if an open source solution would be a viable option, to which Holt replied that while “no one is a bigger supporter of open source solutions than I am, outside of Wordpress I haven’t come across any other open source CMS that I would put on the same level as LibGuides.  In general I feel academic libraries are better off using commercial CMS right now.”  

Thus when GALILEO began providing the CMS to USG schools free of charge, normally you would be required to pay a fee, the library adopted the software.  Odum uses the CMS to create how-to pages, tutorials, and other online materials for library instruction.  Holt also mentioned that they have “begun creating a libguide that is serving as an access point for open access materials for a Philosophy core class on campus” and that he would “like to do more with open access delivery and libguides in the future if possible.”  Before LibGuides, Holt commented that these pages were created through HTML or Adobe Cascade. I really liked the idea of incorporating the library even more into core classes. Especially since it would be available online which may prompt more students to check it out.

I asked if there are advantages or disadvantages in using their current CMS versus their previous, to which Holt replied, “LibGuides is specifically made for the purposes we use it for, so it’s naturally a better fit.”  But that’s not to say that it doesn't have its weak points.  “One of the worst features is its way of dealing with images.  It’s clunky and tends to disrupt my workflow a lot when I’m working on a guide”  because it “forces me to leave the guide I’m working on (or at least open another tab) to insert an image.”  I also asked him what sort of learning curve LibGuides had.  He expressed that for him, personally, it was very low.  And that “LibGuides is mostly pretty user friendly” but “it may take some training for some to figure out where everything is.”  To the question about how many people used the CMS to generate content, Holt said, “It’s tough to put an exact number on, because technically anyone who works in the library should be using the platform when they need to create tutorials or lists of resources.  But I’d say that our 8 reference librarians use it far more than anyone else.”

I proposed a scenario which didn’t have GALILEO offering schools LibGuides free of charges and asked what he would have liked to use/test out in its stead.  He said that more than likely the library would have stuck with using Cascade, especially since “Campus Web Services are keen on a consistent look to the website.”  But he would have liked to look into Wordpress after watching a library’s presentation at ALA last year. 

Finally in closing I asked what advice he would give to other libraries looking into a CMS.  His answer, “Think about what you need the CMS to do and choose accordingly.  LibGuides is unbeatable for Reference based materials or maybe even MOOC course delivery, but I wouldn't use it for a whole website.  Think about your staff and their abilities as well.  Do you have a knowledgeable tech-savvy staff that are willing to put in the effort to make a new technology, that might have a high learning curve, work?  Then an open source solution could be the answer.  Do you not have that?  Then you would definitely want to go with a commercial solution.  Ultimately the lesson to take away is to do your homework and choose wisely.  Or you could have your state consortium choose for you, in which case, go with what they will support!”

Many of Holt’s experiences and opinions align themselves to the literature we have read so far.  I did like how he pointed out to consult your web services since they will have standards, because that was one of the more important pieces of advice from the articles.  And it was interesting to see that he would like an open source option if it was robust enough.  All in all I think that many librarians will have had similar situations with their own institutions and CMS deployment just because many libraries are using them similar ways.

Mr. Techno-man play a song for me... 01010101001000001111

Since we have entered this class we have been exposed to social media and other Web 2.0 technologies right off the bat.  And while many of us have a Facebook or Twitter account for our personal lives, have those of you who were not as interested in social media or blogs or what have you had a change of opinion?  Do you find that your interest in how social media works piqued at all?  Or will you promptly be deleting all of your accounts once this class has ended?

As all of you probably know by now I am very much a supporter of online communities and I like the idea of libraries becoming a community hub online as much as they are a community hub as a brick and mortar physical location.  While I have often struggled to make good, relevant content here on this blog, I do find the practice rewarding.  I write stuff all the time but I don't ever post it for it to be consumed by the public.  I have rants and discussions with those who are close friends on topics that I'm passionate about but, again, not for public consumption.  Putting my ideas and thoughts out there on the web is a different experience for me.  But not an unwanted one.  It has given me a chance to see if I can generate cohesive pieces that present my opinions on a topic in a concise and interesting way.  Though I may fail more often than I succeed on making it interesting.

I look forward to more experience working in social media and Web 2.0 technologies.  Who knows I may even keep this blog going, though the chances aren't terribly high.  But it could definitely happen.  My Twitter account on the other hand will be deleted or at least ignored since I have my personal one that I keep up with instead.

I also think that this class has forced me to branch out to areas I may not have otherwise visited.  QR codes and Joomla come to mind (Google Drive has been too big of a love in my life to count cloud-computing/storage).  It has reinforced my decision to delve more deeply into web programming and design.  Learning to code is something that many of my friends are doing but that I had since stopped after attempting to take a few classes here on campus.

And just for fun, here are some cat gifs:

The Beginning of the End

We are nearing the end of the class, only a few things to do before we bid this bon voyage and sail onto our next destination.  I have learned quite a bit about the uses of technology and how it connects with the library.  While I haven't used social media in ways that I hadn't already experienced, it did give me something to think about for the future.  I am not the most social of people but I do like interact with folks on the internet.  It's an odd oxymoron but I'll take it.  Could this be a future employment opportunity?  There are now strangers things in the world than a dedicated social media expert.  And I'm sure that statement probably astounds some individuals.  But it's true!

This class has also made me appreciate that I will be taking Web Programming in June/July all that much more.  After dealing with Joomla and also my consistent experience with Cascade and Wix, I am super interested in learning more about the back end.  I have dabbled a little in HTML and  CSS, I have taken two college courses in Java, and I have friends who deal with C++, C#, Ruby, etc.  Who knows, maybe I'll finally find a language that speaks to me!

There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.

~Shel Silverstein

Brisk feedback... rapid reply... Quick response?

While I can't say that I use the technology at all myself, I can see that QR codes do have potential to be useful.  Though at the moment I don't think that we have reached that goal just yet.  Right now they seem to be best to save space when you're advertising.  But for the sake of experience I did go ahead and create two QR codes.  It's rather ridiculously easy to create a code.  And I feel like it takes more effort to read the code than it does to make it.  lol

One of the reasons that I think QR codes aren't being used as creatively as they could is because not a lot of people are consistently exposed to the technology.  They'll see them on the back of coke bottles or on flyers every so often.  But they aren't being used in a manner that really prompts people to want to go search them out.

I think I would like to see QR codes used in a giant live action version of a "choose your adventure" book type of scenario.

Which path will you take?

DIY - Makerspaces and 3D Printing

In light of the recent article that we are to read for this module about 3D printing, I thought I would discuss a little bit about that topic and makerspaces in my blog as well.  I don't personally have much experience with the technology but I remember when 3D printers were everywhere on Kickstarter a few years ago.  Making them more affordable and easier to use seemed to be the selling points for those.  These days you'll see everything from news articles about someone printing a gun to a blog about printing food items.  So the technology has definitely ramped up and gone in a multitude of different directions.  Below are some links to articles or websites detailing some of the examples from above.

3D Printed Iron Man Arm

3D Printing Food - In SPAAAAACCEEEE

A Human Kidney

But makerspaces in general are much more than 3D printing.  They are about creativity and ingenuity across multiple disciplines.  I know from a previous talk with one of the librarians here on campus that he wanted to really help students from different majors collaborate on projects in the makerspace.  For example for English majors, Art majors, and CS majors all get together and learn how to make a game.  The students would be writing the story, creating the assets, and coding the mechanics (especially now since you can get Unity and Unreal Engine 4 for free or for very cheap).  Or to have people learn how to make costumes and props for cosplay.

The idea of makerspaces in any library public or academic interests me greatly.  I love the idea of learning how to do something that is outside of what you may expect for any sort of additional instructional classes a library provides.  Learning how to use sound equipment or editing software can get you a lot of places these days with all of the YouTube channels and Vines.