Chapter 5. Recommendations

Abstract

Chapter 5 of Library Technology Reports (53, no. 5), "3-D Printers for Libraries, 2017 Edition"

There are a few different scenarios that a library might find itself in at this point in 3-D printing. Maybe you’re part of a library that hasn’t yet taken the plunge and are looking for how to get started, or maybe you’re a library that has a printer or two and need to scale your services up to meet demand. Chapter 5 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 53, no. 5), “3-D Printers for Libraries, 2017 Edition,” recommends what setup and software might be best for you, depending on your budget and whether you’re just getting started with 3-D printing or you’re considering expanding your offerings. This chapter also serves to explore the question “Why should 3-D printing services be in libraries?” and concludes with the author’s thoughts on the future of 3-D printing in libraries.