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G2S Project Code: 2018-NV-81787
State: Nevada
Fiscal Year: 2018

Grantee
Mineral County Library

Project Director
Director Name: Courtney Oberhansli
Director Phone: 775-945-2778
Director Email: coberhansli@mineralcountynv.org

General Information
Title: Imagine, Create, 3D Print
State Project Code: 18-07
Start Date: 07/01/2018
End Date: 06/30/2019
Abstract: The people of Mineral County do not have urban resources such as large museums, universities, art centers, and movie theaters. This is a rural area and the library is the one entity that engages all ages and tailors its efforts to provide lifelong learning and opportunities that are not locally available. In an effort to offer a creative, eye-opening opportunity to this community, Mineral County Library acquired a high quality, industrial grade 3D printer and accessories which provided creative and technological benefits for patrons as they saw a design idea go to creation very quickly. By providing a high-tech yet functional tool accessible to the average person, the library opened up possibilities for skill development in areas that touch upon the industrial, the artistic, the academic, and the mechanical. This project expanded the world of our patrons and encouraged them to dream possibilities.

State Goal: Goal 3: Nevada libraries will provide responsive and accessible learning environments that meet the needs of all Nevada residents

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$12,828.00

$0.00

$3,472.98

$16,300.98

Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Activities
Activity Details
Title: 3D Printer
Narrative: A Markforged Onyx Pro Fiberglass 3D Printer, which is a mid-range industrial printer, was acquired. This machine was selected because it creates high-strength objects with a much higher success rate of object completion than a machine using nylon filament. Its projects can withstand outside elements such as sun and wind. We also procured an Einscan-s 3d Scanner for scanning small objects with great detail which facilitated projects that required an exact replica. A Frontier rolling cabinet holds the printer, the scanner, and all supplies.

Two extra nozzle packs, 6 spools of Onyx filament, 4 spools of Fiberglass, a replacement bed in case of damage, a surge protector, and two types of extra tubing were purchased to support the project.

The procurement of this printer and scanner along with sufficient materials allowed users to experiment with 3D technology, in all cases a first-time interaction for them. The project supported the learning outcome for users that real-life applications could be evidenced by useful models produced by the printer. Seeing the machine in action, watching a model as it developed, and asking questions led users to realize the functionality and possibilities of 3D printing.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Other
Format: Physical
Other: 3D printer and supplies

Quantity

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No

Activity Details
Title: 3D Printer Craft Workshops
Narrative: A craft program involving 3D printed projects conveyed the possibilities of how a 3D printer can be utilized. Two craft sessions included 3D printed projects as integral parts of the craft:

At a mask decorating class, attendees took 3D printed masquerade masks from plain (albeit lacy and lovely) to fancy using a variety of supplies such as glue, ribbon, beads, and paint. The 8 participants were amazed and delighted at the lacy 3D masks that were provided as the basis of the craft. As a promotion, prior to the mask decorating class, the 3D printer was on display while printing the masks.
A clay modeling class introduced users to the idea of taking a modeled figure from clay to a 3D printed replica. Only one participant attended, but 3 figures were modeled, scanned using the tabletop scanner purchased through the grant, then 3D printed on the MarkForged Onyx Pro Printer.

Staff observations, comments by participants, and surveys were used to collect data.

Particpant comments: 3D printer is an amazing tool in the Mineral County Library's arsenal. The people of Hawthorne are lucky to suddenly have the ability to make rapid prototypes, parts, and toys. Great job!
We made a knob for my headlight switch as mine had broke. This saved me $85.00 and not having to use a pair of vice grips to turn my headlights on. Thank you.
Its [sic] great to see a library doing amazing programs like this.
What a cool activity! 3d printing is awesome!

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 10
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Mineral County Library
Address: 110 1st St.
City: Hawthorne
State: NV
Zip: 89415
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 12
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 12
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 8
Agree: 6
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 12
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 11
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: 3D Printer Drop-in Sessions
Narrative: Seventy-seven printings were completed. Project partners included Mineral County Parks & Recreation, the library XR (extended reality) Club, the Mineral County IT Manager, filmmakers, a musician, and various unaffiliated community members.

An interesting project involved the printing of 6 therapy fidget toys which were produced for an autistic adult, the county Justice of the Peace and his 3 clerks, and the library XR Club leader who also provided the switches and keys to be inserted into the 3D printed base. This project supported the learning outcome for these users that high-tech knowledge can produce a functional tool for their everyday lives. The justice clerks had comments such as, "these are awesome! You guys could make a fortune selling them! This generation of kids would be all over these!"

Other printings included a pool pump lid for the county pool, Ethernet spears for the county IT Manager, a musical recorder for a library incentive program, a wall mount for VR (virtual reality) hand controllers and a Leap Motion mount for the VR headset for the library XR Club, a guitar body for a musician, a camera lens bracket for a photographer, several film props for filmmakers, and various car and truck knobs for community members.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: In-person

Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 77
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 7

Partner Information

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
As a promotion, prior to the mask decorating class, the 3D printer was on display while printing the masks. Staff observed at least thirty-seven patrons intently watching the printing. Patron reactions strongly supported our learning outcome we stated as follows: Patrons will show interest in the operation, ask questions, and make suggestions on items to make. These findings reinforce our need to plan, in the upcoming year, some formal presentations including an invitation to the local high school to make a field trip to see the printer in action. Three teens have been identified who show keen interest in the 3D printer and the possibilities for its use. The hope is that their interest can be channeled into further learning by introducing them to AutoCAD, thereby extending the possibilities beyond what others have designed to try their own designs. To offer this, we will be purchasing AutoCAD through TechSoup during this next year. This will help to fulfill the desired outcome to see students participate in meaningful out-of-school learning that increases their understanding of technology, mechanics, artistic design, and industrial possibilities. A predicted outcome was almost met despite limited outreach during the grant year. Two staff members and 3 community members were trained active makers. Ten county workers and 3 community members were involved in projects, interacting with staff through choosing design files or requesting a project be designed. Nine attendees at craft classes used 3D printed items in their craft. Most users were repeat makers. The total of 27 users comes close to the projected outcome of 1% of registered users (30/3032) being makers. The plan to do more outreach this next year will surely boost that number.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Staff observations include: The 3D printer performs even better than expected. This is a program that will continue, evolve, and add immeasurably to this library's relevance in our community; I was pleased and surprised to see the level of public interest in 3D printing, and look forward to increasing availability. Patrons & members of the community are excited to see completed projects, which I hope will translate into direct usage. There are already a few patrons wanting to make things with the printer, and we have begun making molds and masks for our craft classes, and that's just in the first year of having a 3D printer. I can't wait to see what other things we can do with it or what patrons will make with it.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Based on personal experience by the project manager, the biggest lesson was that this is a complicated machine that requires plenty of experience before the user feels confident. The machine has a high success rate for project completions and most problems occur due to user error. While we encountered very few problems, we learned to double check all files to be sure that those involving multiple parts had all parts connected to the “bed” of the print, that sufficient filament materials were in the machine, that the bed was cleaned and prepared with sufficient glue application to ensure first lines of filament stuck to the bed to avoid a loose end that could interfere with subsequent lines. Consequently, gaining confidence took much of the grant year. Unless a library has a large staff that can devote time to developing programs using this machine, a grant such as this may be better presented as a simple procurement grant which develops the skills of the main staff users but with continuation plans for programs and training of other users to take place after the grant year. The MarkForged printer is a reliable, excellent tool. With the Onyx Pro, printings can be reinforced with fiberglass which made it possible to offer projects for commercial uses to the county Public Works, the IT department, our library virtual reality club, etc. This project proved our outcome that high-tech knowledge has real-life applications.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
One of our more interesting projects was a collaboration with Mineral County Public Works to design and print a replacement pool pump lid, but it highlighted a need for a CAD program for designing projects that are unique and unlikely to be found on a free download site such as Thingiverse.com. As a library, we are able to access low-cost solutions from TechSoup, so we will purchase a year-long subscription to AutoDesk AutoCAD and pursue projects that will require its use. For instance, our county IT Manager is interested in building a camera housing for outdoor solar photography to track the sun’s annual trajectory. This was one of our original projects but was hindered by the need for CAD. We want to develop three teens' interest in the 3d printer to include training on AutoCAD. As the project manager has become more comfortable with the operation of the machine, she is determined to encourage any county entities such as Public Works, the firehouse, the hospital, and the sheriff’s office in thinking of possible uses for the 3D printer. An incentive program of a lottery to win a 3D printed musical recorder will be offered again prior to the holidays.
Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative

Project Tags: