FTCC’s Paul H. Thompson Library has a new educational facility following Monday’s grand opening of the FTCC Makerspace Lab.
FTCC Director of Library Services Mary DiRisio said the lab supports the College’s diverse curriculum.
“Through hands-on learning, students work independently or in small groups to create, learn, invent and share ideas which complement their educational goals,” DiRisio said. “The Makerspace’s evolving technologies enable students to create visual aids that bring their class presentations to a higher level.”
The Makerspace, which is housed on the first floor of the library, offers a space for FTCC students, faculty and staff to explore creative learning possibilities using 3-D printers, an electronic cutting machine and 3-D pens.
FTCC Director of Library Services Mary DiRisio and President Dr. Larry Keen cut the ribbon to open the Makerspace Lab. [Photo by Brad Losh]
The Makerspace was funded through a $11,936 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency that provides library and museum grants and works for policy development and research.
The lab includes three Makerbot 3-D printers, a Cricut smart cutting machine and 3-D pens.
The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting by DiRisio and FTCC President Dr. J. Larry Keen.
Keen spoke to the addition of the Makerspace as being another step in the evolving nature of the library as an educational space for all students.
“Some of the most gratifying days are when I walk through the library and see teams of students who will sit around teaming up on different projects,” Keen said. “Not only can they do their homework, but they can come up with ideas for different applications. What better place for them to do that than here?”
Students in FTCC’s Advertising & Graphic Design program created posters using Makerspace Lab equipment. [Photo by Brad Losh]
Several pieces of artwork created using the lab’s resources were on display, including a panel of works designed and cut by students in FTCC’s Advertising & Graphic Design program and pieces printed using the Makerbots.
FTCC SGA President Heather Spexarth was among the students who contributed to the works on display and spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We just got back from the state SGA conference, and I can tell you that students across the 58 community colleges are stunned that we have this facility,” Spexarth said.
DiRisio presented Dr. Keen with a pair of 3-D printed objects — one depicting a Trojan soldier and another of a dragon made of roses to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fayetteville Rose Garden on campus.
A human foot skeleton and human heart were among the 3-D printed objects on display at the grand opening of the Makerspace Lab. [Photo by Brad Losh]
FTCC students, faculty and staff will be able to use the Makerspace Lab on a first-come, first-serve basis with consideration given to the length of time the project will take. Library staff will be available for assistance in using the machines.
The Paul H. Thompson Library is located at 2201 Hull Road on FTCC’s Fayetteville campus. Learn more about the library’s resources here.
