Introduction to Special Section: Considerations and Potential Impacts

EDITOR'S SUMMARY ASIS&T Special Interest Group/Scientific and Technical Information convened a panel at the ASIS&T 2014 Annual Meeting that explored potential impacts of 3D design and printing on libraries, museums and educational institutions. Rooted in the 1970s, the current 3D printing process was first used in 1984 and now allows limitless creations to be made by downloading or scanning and printing a digital file. The tangible product vitalizes interaction with the original and among viewers, enhances understanding and stimulates creativity. But, as with the use of photocopiers, questions of ethics and intellectual property arise. Management of the technology also raises practical questions of access, workflow, budgeting and support. This special section delves into 3D technologies as teaching tools and considers policy, copyright and intellectual freedom, critical issues for information professionals. Articles open with a discussion of the use of 3D printers in library makerspaces by community members, the potential for broad experiential learning and practical issues for libraries. An exploration of 3D printer use for academic studies far beyond traditional areas follows, with a look at collaborative efforts between university departments to support and use the equipment and a reminder of the need for ethical management and consumer education about 3D resources. The final articles explore the benefits of manipulating 3D copies of museum pieces and enjoying the creative potential for hands‐on activities in various settings, as well as contemplating libraries' role in adapting intellectual freedom policy for 3D technologies.