You may be used to using the UCSB library as a quiet study space, a place to kill time between classes, or — if you’re on the 4th floor — a space to catch up with friends. However, the library hosts many resources beyond just bookshelves and study spaces.
In a new step to foster creativity within its student body, the UCSB library welcomed the opening of a new space this month. Makerspace is an experience-driven learning space dedicated to assisting UCSB students, faculty, and staff in creative projects. The space boasts numerous machines useful for design processes such as 3D printers, a laser cutter, vinyl cutter, and sewing machines. UCSB describes the new space as,
“an interdisciplinary experiential learning environment that fosters problem-solving, innovation, and risk-taking. We offer access to high-quality fabrication tools, in-depth instruction, and peer support on rapid prototyping and iterative design processes. Within our dynamic community workspace, learners develop leadership and collaboration skills while transforming their creative visions into reality.”
To learn more about Makerspace and its unique addition to the library, I spoke with Taytum Bigelow, a second year communication major here at UCSB, who began working at Makerspace upon its opening in January.
Taytum described Makerspace as, “a creative workspace with various tools, materials, and
technology that allows students to design, prototype, and create projects. It is a hands-on environment with the resources to empower students to bring their ideas to life.”
In order to gain access to Makerspace, Taytum explained that students must complete online training via the Makerspace Canvas course and attend in-person workshops to obtain authorization to certain equipment within the space. The Canvas course is an easy to navigate set of modules with information on how to safely and productively use the machines available in Makerspace.
Curious about what kind of projects Gauchos utilize Makerspace for, I asked Taytum what she has seen students working on in the space. Bigelow responded, “In the most recent workshop we built our own bots. These bots included a vibrational motor and the usage of various machinery like the 3D printer, 3D printer pens and soldering supplies.”
These workshops are open for registration to all UCSB students via Shoreline and include a wide range of skills and projects to learn about. Bigelow explained that the workshops incorporate machine training into the development of a fun project, for example in an upcoming sewing workshop the session, “teaches you how to not only use the machine, but also create hand-crafted accessories.”
Taytum enjoys utilizing Makerspace for her own personal creative projects, “I have used the pin-making machine to create fun button pins with my own designs. I have also had fun using the 3D printer to make little mini animals.” However, she explained that her favorite aspect of the space is the sewing machine, “It has many amazing features to make sewing faster and simpler.” Overall, the space is a fun environment where students can either further their pre-existing creative pursuits or try something new!
A full catalog of the equipment available in Makerspace can be found on the UCSB library webpage, but some of the most exciting equipment include a Prusa MK4 3D printer, which prints objects using layered plastic filament. Additionally, the Epilog Fusion Maker 36 Laser Cutter uses a laser beam to cut through materials like wood, fabric, and cardboard to create shapes and designs of one’s choice. The space includes many smaller resources too, such as hand tools and hot tweezers. All of these tools and machines are free for student use after completion of training.
Makerspace can be found on the first floor, oceanside of the Library, opposite the transfer student center. Happy making, Gauchos!