Libfocus is delighted to present the third prize post for
the CONUL Training and
Development Library Assistant Blog Awards 2023. The author is Dr. Heidi Campbell, Digital Engagement Curator, Maynooth University Library
They say it takes roughly 6
months to settle into a new job, a year to feel competent in it and then enough
space, time and support to make an impact. My name is Heidi Campbell, and I am
the Digital Engagement Curator at Maynooth University Library (MU). I manage
the MU Library Makerspace and this blog is a reflection on my first 18 months
in the role. The initial areas of focus for me have included the following;
developing a makerspace brand for MU Library, reinstating the makerspace after
the Covid hiatus, the development of meaningful social media engagement for the
makerspace, the initiation of virtual tours and experiences and the resumption
of the main stay of any makerspace - our very successful 3D printing service.
3D Printing 3D printing lends itself well to the adage ’practice makes
perfect’. There is a reason why makerspaces highlight the importance of failing
because it is only when the prints are failing, and the filament is jamming,
that you start to develop a feel for each printer and develop that
"maker’s brain”.
 |
3D printed Pikachu |
As Digital Engagement Curator I strive
to promote the makerspace online and throughout the university. I especially
want to encourage MU Library staff to engage with us. I approached this by
offering seasonal gifts for library staff. One of my favourite giveaways was to
celebrate Lunar New Year where anyone born in the year of the rabbit received a
beautiful red rabbit lantern.
 |
3D printed lantern with the Chinese rabbit character, with perforations to allow light to shine though |
I hope to make
this an annual tradition for staff. Next year I will be looking for all the
dragons in the library. 🐉
If you would like to
know more about our 3D printing service and its role in supporting research,
please read MU Library Makerspace – 3D Printing Supporting Research.
Virtual
Tours and Experiences
 |
| Photo of the Ricoh Theta V 360 camera |
When I joined MU
Library, we had a 360 camera, however virtual tours had not yet been created
with it. This was a great way for me to make a mark and develop a new
initiative within the library. To read all about my time creating virtual tours
and experiences see my addition to the Library Treasures Blog.
Connecting with
Makers
One of the best parts of this job is the camaraderie I have found in the
makerspace community and the knowledge sharing, encouragement and advice that
is always on hand among other makers. These essential connections were evident
during this year's CONUL Conference 2023 held in Cork when for the first time
we presented a joint “CONUL Makerspace”. The event showcased services from
University of Limerick, University of Galway and University College Cork. For
my part I brought our 360 camera and demonstrated how to create virtual tours
and displayed some of our virtual experiences.
Social Media
 |
Multiple 3D printed cats used as giveaways with new orders and for visitors |
One of the best ways to
promote and to connect with other makerspaces is through social media. The MU
Library Makerspace did not have its own account, and so I launched our own
Twitter and TikTok handles @MULibraryMaker. As the numbers grew, I created a
consistent timetable of posts to allow our growing audience to follow the
stories and developments from the makerspace. Mondays mark #makermonday which
showcases various types of making I have been working on throughout the week.
This includes anything from intricate 3D print projects to equipment testing. I
also like to use this hashtag to give praise to the many makers who design and
create 3D prints or develop makerspace initiative that we use. Every Friday I
post about specific 3D printing issues, fails, and developments using the
hashtag #filamentfriday. I also use these days to ask for help, suggestions and
input from other makers out there.
#ClayCat
 |
Image of ClayCat wearing a bandana during workout session to promote health and wellbeing |
18 Months and Beyond
A lot has been achieved in a short space of time. None of it would have been possible without the
guidance and support I have encountered in this role. There is much more to come from the MU
Library Makerspace including expanding our virtual experiences, exploring the world of 3D scanning
and creating handling objects as teaching aides. And of course, #claycat will continue to comment
throughout!
All images by Heidi Campbell
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment