UNC's Undergraduate Library has a new edition on the entry level floor: the Library MakerSpace.
The Library MakerSpace is a dedicated area to providing tools, expert help and a creative outlet for students, offering 3D printing, 3D imaging, sewing, a Cricut maker and materials to create models.
The MakerSpace is in partnership with Be A Maker, or BeAM, space located in Murray Hall, Hanes Art Center and Carmichael Hall. Once students complete BeAM 101, an online Canvas module and in-person workshop, they are able to work in any of the three spaces. However, the the Library MakerSpace does not require students to take BeAM 101.
The space previously occupied by the Kenan Science Library and the MakerSpace in Venable Hall will now serve as a teaching lab.
The new spot in the Undergraduate Library will offer creative workshops, also allowing students to go for individual consultations and receive assistance for research projects.
Junior Muhammad Khan said he used a MakerSpace this summer to create trophies for Bowlers and Batters, a club that he helped create.
Khan, who used the BeAM makerspace, said the process of creating the trophies took weeks as they would design, redesign and print each piece of the trophy before assembly.
“We had to ask for the new color filament that wasn't already in the printers,” Khan said. “So we had to work with the MakerSpace, and they were really gracious.”
Now, Bowlers and Batters is using the MakerSpace for additional resources. The group plans to make more trophies to give to winners after tournaments and use the embroidery machine for speciality T-shirts.