The document discusses 3D printing at Lake Macquarie City Libraries. It provides context about the library system and its communities. It then discusses the reasons for adopting 3D printing technology, including providing new opportunities and being innovative. It details the specific 3D printer purchased and how the libraries promoted 3D printing services and trained staff. It lists various community members using the 3D printer and closes by discussing expanding the service and confirming it was worthwhile based on a patron's son receiving top marks on his project using the 3D printer.

1. 3D Printing –
the how, what
and why

2. Where are we?
• Surrounded by beautiful beaches, mountains and the
ocean, the city of Lake Macquarie is located 2 hours
north of Sydney, 30 minutes from Newcastle, and 60
minutes from Hunter Wine Country and the NSW
Central Coast.
• Population has exceeded 200,000, which represents
37% of the Lower Hunter’s population. It is the fourth
most populous city in NSW, and the eighth most
populous city in Australia

3. Who are we?
• 10 branches plus mobile library
• 61 000 active members
• 732 184 visits
• Over 1 million page views across
library.lakemac.com.au and history.lakemac.com.au
• 2002 programs presented and attended by 28 203
people
• New Cardiff Library opened in 2014, renovations
planned for Speers Point Library in 2015, concept plans
for new Morisset Library developed

4. Why 3D printing?
• To provide opportunities to our community that may
not be readily available
• Opportunity to demonstrate to our customers that we
are responsive and innovative
• Opportunity for staff to acquire a new skill set and
deliver contemporary programming.

5. What?
What printer did we buy?
• 3D-Up

6. How?
Get staff on board
• Find your champions
• Communicate early and often for other team members
• Plan and program in consultation with staff

7. How?
Address risk
• Safety for staff and customers
• Risk to reputation
• Illegal use

8. How?
Promotion
• Promote to stakeholders who have a community profile
• Media releases
• Social media and website
• Keep it topical

9. Who?
Who’s using our 3D printer? Everyone!
• Local manufacturers in Cardiff who prefer to make a plastic
model before casting in final version in more expensive
material
• Kids who want to print Minecraft characters
• Hobbyists who build furniture for doll houses
• Cake decorators who want a stiletto cake topper
• People who have a broken component in their juicer and
replacement part is too expensive…

10. Where to from here?
• Second printer
• Outreach
• More programming

11. Was it worth it?
Hi Ladies,
You might remember that my son Bradley came and
printed off a bunch of 3D models for his HSC D & T project
last year.
Just letting you know that he got a Band 6 (top marks) for
his work – so thank you very much for your help.
Sincerely
(dad)
(email to Cardiff Library staff 08 January 2015)