2020-01-17 SPLAT Curiosity Report: Volume 4, Issue 10

Featured Story

3D Printing and Partnerships OR Doesn’t that machine just print toys?

One of the most common comments when explaining 3D printing to adults is: “Why would I want to use that … all it does is print plastic toys!” This is one of the biggest challenges that we have faced when rolling out 3D printing services throughout the library. Children and teens see the potential and options a 3D printer can bring, while adults only see a machine that prints cheap plastic toys.

One of the ways we are combating this impression is partnering with other city departments to use 3D printers to solve actual problems. Recently Captain Tom Wright from the Nampa Fire Department contacted the Nampa Library to inquire about the possibility of printing a quantity of training devices to help train paramedics in the NFD. He had found a 3D printable Cric Trainer, for use in practicing cricothyroidotomy procedures, and wanted to see how much they would cost. The device is a model of a larynx that can be fitted with a balloon inside and covered with (x) tape to simulate a human throat. This lets the paramedics practice cutting through the tape into the balloon to insert a tube. He found a quote online for $20 – 30 for each print, but heard that the library had a 3D printer and wanted to look into the possibility of using it to print the units. When we looked at the specifications of the print, we discovered that the library could print the design the Fire Department needed for just over 1 dollar each. Because using the Library’s 3D printer is cheaper than ordering the items printed online, the Fire Department was able to give each of the paramedics in the department a Cric Trainer to take home and practice, instead of getting 3 – 4 to use only in training classes. The Airways App 3D Cric Trainer is much more cost effective than any previous method of cricothyroidotomy training the department had done, and the library was able to help get these devices in the hands of more people.

This is exactly what the library wants to demonstrate about the utility of 3D printers. Next time I have a patron ask me why we have 3D printing available, since all it does is print toys, I now have a great example of a print that truly helps people. We hope that this project will bring highlight how the resources the library provides to the community can be used to help people both in and outside of the library.

http://www.airwaycollaboration.org/3d-cric-trainer-1

– Mike Sloan, Nampa Public Library

Fail Forward

We’ve all been there. You pour your heart into a program, and no one shows up. You try something new, and you fall on your face. Sound familiar? Fail Forward is the place to share your failures, and give you the opportunity to share what you learned from them. Did you promote your program in a different way after no one showed up? Maybe you took a new approach to the new thing you were excited about? Awesome! Share your story via our online form so others can learn, and realize that failure is often part of the process.

Troubleshooting Fails

I am going to be a little vague here, because I’m still a little embarrassed by this fail. I had a machine in my library that was giving a really weird error. I tried googling it, asking other people if they’d seen the same error, and finally called customer support for the machine. They start asking me to check stuff in Window Registry, and we decided to try it on another device to see if we get the same error. I climb under the desk….. And lo and behold…. It wasn’t plugged in.

I thanked customer service, hung up quickly, and was reminded once again that the simplest solution is usually the right one. I think I might just need an annual reminder to check if it’s plugged in. :)

– Alex Johnatakis, Caldwell Public Library

Crush Corner

Is there a library you follow on social media who is always doing new and exciting things? How about a blog you follow that inspires you? What about a new idea, book, or resource that you want to share? Library Crush Corner is a place for those working in Idaho libraries to share what inspires them, and who or what they’re crushing on… in a professional sense. Share your story via our online form so we can publish it in a future issue!

Seattle Public Library’s Pride Post

I love Seattle Public Library’s (@seattlepubliclibrary) pride post from June 2019. I really appreciate the simple yet impactful graphic design and clear messaging. Sometimes it’s hard to know how to best support the communities we serve through our social media presence, and I like how straightforward and effective this post does just that.

– Jessica Martinez, University of Idaho Library

SPLAT explores the ever-evolving library world and supports library folks as they adapt to meet the needs of their communities. Library folk throughout the state of Idaho volunteer to serve on the Special Projects Library Action Team (SPLAT). Learn more about SPLAT at splat.lili.org

SPLAT is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and was made possible, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LS-00-19-0013-19). The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.