New library hub open for creative innovation
“The Library Makerspace opens up opportunities for creative exploration and disruptive thinking in a very welcoming and supported innovation space at the heart of the campus.”
Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, is joined by Professor Jeff Grabill, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education, for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony
Exciting new facilities designed to enable experimental collaboration among the University community have been officially opened.
Located in the Edward Boyle Library, the Library Makerspace is packed with all the latest kit required to help turn your innovative ideas into reality.
From craft cutting machines and 3D printers to podcasting, photography and media equipment, it’s the go-to centre for hands-on learning. You can collaborate with course-mates and co-workers using a range of new and emerging technologies.
Inspired by the University of Leeds Libraries Vision for 2030, the Library Makerspace forms one of many educational spaces across campus that empower staff and students to think and experiment innovatively.
“The Library Makerspace opens up opportunities for creative exploration and disruptive thinking in a very welcoming and supported innovation space at the heart of the campus”, said Masud Khokhar, University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection.
“By providing equipment here to borrow that otherwise might be too expensive for individuals to access, we aim to open up and inspire experimentation among our student and staff community. Learning by doing is one more way the Libraries can support the creation of new knowledge, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the inventions and creative items that will be produced here.”
Producing great things
Designed for visitors to ‘make, experiment and learn’, the Library Makerspace offers the latest tools and equipment for fabrication, laser cutting, electronics, digital creativity and craft. Staff and students can develop their creative skills and receive technical support on personal, work and degree-related projects.
Among the guests attending the official opening on 19 October was Professor Jeff Grabill, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education.
He said: “The Library Makerspace is part of a network with other makerspaces on campus and is a fundamental part of helping our students prepare themselves for the world they’re going to face as soon as they leave us.
“They’re going to enter a world in which they have to use digital technologies and apply what they’re learning in the classroom to what the world needs from them. The Library Makerspace is an application domain in which they take what they learn in the classroom – computer programming, design skills, communication skills – put it to use and make a lot of mistakes as they do so. Mistakes, playing and practicing produces great things in the world.”
Guests got to enjoy a slice of the action!
Expert advice
Following the soft launch earlier in the year, the Library Makerspace has already become popular with members of the University community eager to try out the equipment. Watch our Makerspace video for a better idea of what’s available.
Digital Learning Advisor, Em Towler, said: “There’s expert support and liaison available via the Makerspace Specialist, who’s already been working with a student from the Table Top Gaming Society on 3D object design.
“They’ve also been exploring prototyping for a sound meter with two entrepreneurial students, while a library colleague responsible for book repairs has been able to identify new methods of working – impressive considering they found and used the space before the official launch had even happened!”
The Library Makerspace is open to all staff, students and pre-booked external visitors from 11am to 4pm Monday to Thursday. See the Makerspace webpages for further information about the space, equipment and how to access it.
Posted in: Student educationResearch and innovationUniversity newsDigital Transformation