New Library Makerspace now open

Experiment and have fun at our creative tech hub in the Edward Boyle Library.

The Library Makerspace is now open to all students and staff who are interested in expanding their digital and technological skills.

From craft cutting machines and 3D printers to podcasting and photography workshops, the Library Makerspace is a go-to innovative space to learn, experiment and collaborate with course-mates and coworkers. It is a space for creativity and hands-on learning, where you can practice and innovate with a range of new and emerging technologies.

“Library Makerspace is a low-risk, experimentation space for users to explore new technologies without personally investing in vast amounts of equipment.” says Makerspace Support Specialist, Dr Andy Holland, “Maybe you’ve got an idea for a project or your work, but you have no idea how to make it. Library Makerspace offers free guided learning and support to help bring your ideas to life.”

You can print your own coffee break onto a free coffee mug and biscuit or have a go at creating your own stop-motion animation.

The Library Makerspace is part of a wider University development of digital innovation spaces alongside Helix: the Digital Learning Accelerator, which opens in September 2023.

To celebrate the first two weeks of the Library Makerspace there is a programme of drop-in activities, where you can get hands-on and try out some of the equipment. You can print your own coffee break onto a free coffee mug and biscuit or have a go at creating your own stop-motion animation.

The Edward Boyle Library Makerspace will be open from 9.30am-5pm on the following dates. There is no need to book, simply drop in for a chat about how you can use the space or to attend one of these events:

• Monday 24 April, 1-4pm Print your coffee break
• Tuesday 25 April, 1-4pm Speiragraph Colouring (starts every hour, on the hour to make your own colouring page or to learn about 3D printing)
• Wednesday 26 April, 1-4pm Digital drop-in
• Thursday 27 April, 1-4pm Design a revision T-shirt
• Tuesday 2 May, 1-4pm Perspectival drawing taster (starts every hour, on the hour)
• Wednesday 3 May, 1-4pm Digital drop-in
• Thursday 4 May, 1-4pm Stop motion animation taster
• Friday 5 May, 11am-2pm Drop-in and have a go

Alongside our high-tech equipment, the Library Makerspace will become the new home for our weekly Digital Drop-ins. Students can drop-in on Wednesday afternoons between 1-4pm to speak to an advisor for guidance on digital projects.

The Makerspace is in its development stage and students and staff are encouraged to come along to chat with Andy, the Makerspace Support Specialist, with their ideas and suggestions for equipment, training and events that the space could support.