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Michael Groenendyk Wins Research Grant

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Michael Groenendyk with a model of the Taj Mahal that was printed on the 3D printer at the Killam. (Photo: Bruce Bottomley)

Michael Groenendyk, Help Desk employee at the Killam Library, was recently awarded a CARL Research in Librarianship Grant. Michael is also a student at the School of Information Management.

The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) Librarianship Grant supports projects involving structured, evidence-based research in libraries that propose answers to real-world issues.  Established and newly appointed librarians working in a CARL member library and current Library and Information Studies students are eligible to apply for this grant.

Michael’s grant-winning project is called 3D Printing and Scanning at the Dalhousie Libraries: A Case Study. He was awarded $2,000 to continue his research in the use of 3D printers and scanners in an educational environment and to develop an open access, online repository of 3D digital objects.

“I would like to thank the Canadian Association of Research Libraries for providing me with this opportunity to further develop my research into 3D printing and scanning technologies at the Dalhousie Libraries, and to complete the groundwork on the 3D model repository created this summer on DalSpace. This additional funding will be very helpful in moving this project forward and, as such, is much appreciated,” said Michael.

The 3D printer is located at the Help Desk in the South Learning Commons in the Killam Library. Files for printing can be emailed to 3dprint@dal.ca Printing costs $1 per hour. The printer uses PLA plastic filament that is biodegradable. More about 3D printing at the Dalhousie Libraries.

Congratulations from your colleagues at the Dalhousie Libraries Michael!

 

The 3D printer in action at the Help Desk in the Killam Library.

 

Sample objects printed from the 3D printer. (Photo: Bruce Bottomley)

Dalhousie 3D Model Collection on DalSpace

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The Dalhousie Libraries has launched its online collection of 3D models on DalSpace.

The collection currently features 3D scans created through a partnership with the Thomas McCulloch Museum in Dal’s Biology department. Right now you can see a canine skull, a nautilus shell, and a few other 3D scans, with much more to follow over the next few weeks. 3D printable versions of these objects will also be stored on DalSpace, for replication on the Killam Library’s 3D printer.

                                

The NextEngine 3D Scanner, which was used to scan both of the above objects, is available for student and faculty use on the main floor of the Killam Library. You can book time with this scanner through the Dalhousie University Libraries Room Booking System.

The Dalhousie Libraries 3D collection is completely open for student and faculty submissions as well. We are accepting 3D scans and 3D models created through other methods, such as those designed using AutoCAD, SolidEdge or 3D Studio Max. To submit a model for inclusion in the Dalspace 3D collection, simply email it to 3Dprint@dal.ca with ‘submission’ in the email’s title. If there’s any 3D models you’ve created during your time at Dalhousie, this is a great way to preserve your work and build a portfolio to show future employers.

 

Lunch & Learn: 3D Printing and Scanning at the Dal Libraries

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Library Lunch & Learn
Tuesday May 8, noon – 1 pm
Killam Library Room 2616

What is 3D printing and why are we about to begin using it at the Dalhousie Libraries?

Marc Comeau, Director, Library IT, and MLIS students Riel Gallant and Michael Groenendyk will give a brief overview of 3D printing and scanning technology, provide a description of the Dalhousie Libraries pilot project slated to launch in the Killam Learning Commons in May, and show what has been accomplished so far. They will also discuss potential opportunities for the future of this project at the Libraries.

The presentation will include a live demonstration of 3D printing.

All are welcome. Don’t forget to bring your lunch! Can’t make it? Watch the 3D printing preview video!

3D Printing and Scanning Pilot Project Closer to Launch

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3D printing and scanning for the Dalhousie community is only a few weeks away! SIM students Michael Groenendyk and Riel Gallant have been hard at work testing this service to make it user-ready for the pilot project slated to be set up in the main Killam Learning Commons in May.

3D printing has been around for decades, but only recently has it become accessible to larger audiences thanks to hobbyists and the RepRap project. 3D scanning has also increased in popularity, gaining momentum as the technology improves and becomes more affordable. Dalhousie Libraries’ new Makerbot Replicator and NextEngine 3D scanner will offer you the opportunity to explore this revolutionary technology, and prepare us all for a future shaped by 3D printing.

Here’s a little preview of what’s coming!