Page 8 - Windows Fall Newsletter 2015

Library Opening Brings In Library Opening Celebration

New Technology For months, students adjusted to limited seating and

noise associated with the construction and renovation
October 20, 2015 article by Daniel Moss published in TCU Skiff of the Mary Couts Burnett Library. On October 1,
With the opening of the new section of the library, TCU now has a 3-D printing the celebration began as students entered through the
station. doors into the newly renovated Library.

The station is located in the Fab Lab on the first floor of the new side of the library The reaction to the transformation was of awe
and will allow students of all majors to create three-dimensional prototypes of and excitement by all students. It exceeded their
their own designs. expectations.

Associate Dean of the Library Tracy Hull said that the station can also be used for “The Library is ridiculously cool,” said junior math
pre-med students to create prototypes of human organs. major Isuru Perera. “It’s a phenomenal facility with
plenty of space to study.”
Library innovation collaborator Brad Trussel said that the computer is able to
take student designs and turn them into files that are readable for the printer, thus “This place is great. I like the modern feel,”
resulting in a physical 3-D figure. commented sophomore journalism major Brooke
Morrisy. “It’s so much easier to navigate and find
Students who have seen the addition of the 3-D printing station in the library said where you are going.”
they are eager to try it out.
Hundreds of students, faculty and staff enjoyed
“I think it would be awesome to see my clothing designs made into a 3-D figure,” said senior fashion merchandising major, Jordyn Wells. the grand opening celebration of the addition to
“It’s amazing that what I create on the fashion merchandising computers could actually be made into a garment prototype.” the library. The celebration included SuperFrog,
cheerleaders, food, balloons and the opportunity to
Senior fashion merchandising major Hannah Coon said she is excited to use the explore all the new spaces and features.
technology in the Fab Lab for her entrepreneur class.
“It is very important to me that the library is
“I am in an entrepreneur class right now, and it would be cool to be able to create a celebrated because I feel that it’s a contributor to
prototype of what I am wanting to create in my venture,” Coon said. “I could then use academic success on campus,” said June Koelker,
the prototype in my presentation to give a better glimpse as to what I am trying to make.” Dean of the Library.

Hull said that TCU chose the library as the host of the 3-D printing station because the
building has the longest hours of operation.

“A lot of libraries across the nation are doing what they call Fab Labs or maker spaces,”
said Hull. “It is a place where a lot of students are coming to do their assignments, and
libraries tend to be open a lot more hours than other labs on campuses.”

Students said they are happy that the Fab Lab is in the library because it is convenient
for them.

“I do most of my homework and studying in the library, so it is great that if I need to
do assignment using the Fab Lab,” said junior communication studies major, Tommy
Nelson. “That way I won’t have to go to a whole different building to do it.”

With the Fab Lab just opening, Hull said she is not sure when it will be open to students
yet but hopes to get it open soon.

8 TCU Library Fall 2015 9