New Workshops Added!

 

NEW Join the After Hours 3D Printing Group

Do you want to learn how to use a 3D printer and print your files on your own? Get trained! Let's talk about our processes and how you can join what we call the After Hours 3D Printing Group. There are trainings every week, see if one fits your schedule. Don't see a time that works? We're happy to make time! Just email Amy Vecchione, amyvecchione@boisestate.edu, or Deana Brown, deanabrown@boisestate.edu to schedule.

NEW Starting with Python Picking a programming language can be difficult, especially when there are so many languages and so many different applications out there. Not only is Python easy to learn and faster to program with, it is the first choice of organizations like Youtube, Reddit, and Industrial Light & Magic. This workshop will take you through the essentials of programming and get you started writing and editing your own programs. Register now for Thursday, 3/17/2016, 11am. NEW Scientific origami Making origami can be fun and functional, but did you also know it can be scientific? Gain a whole new understanding of DNA by creating a 3D model with paper, while learning about DNA research being done by the The Nanoscale Materials and Device Group. Register now for Friday, 4/29/2016, 2:30pm.

NEW Paper Baskets Desk Set

Are you constantly misplacing your keys? Need something to corral your pens? Don’t spend a fortune buying something, make it out of paper! Learn how to use the library’s Silhouette cutter and let your imagination go wild. Register now for Thursday, 3/10/2016, 1pm.

NEW Circuit Stickers
Create a memento that appears to magically light up. These are hightech stickers with embedded LEDs and circuitry. No need to bring your soldering iron, we’ve got copper tape. All supplies provided, just bring your imagination! Register now for Thursday, 4/14/2016, 1pm.

Getting in Touch with Your Arduino

Have you ever thought about learning to code? Many people want to learn, but never do because they can’t see how it could fit into their everyday life. This workshop will teach you the basics of Arduino coding, electronics and breadboard prototyping. By using capacitive touch sensors, you can interface the Arduino with objects all around you! Register now for Friday 3/4/2016 noon.

Library archivists find use for the MakerLab’s 3D printers

3D printed camera mount for tabletop photography

Special Collections and Archives needed a mount to join a 1980s fiber optic light source to a standard accessory mount on a Canon G15. This was an easy fix with 3D design. Digital Archivist Jim Duran designed an adapter using Tinkercad that included a tab that would slip into the camera’s accessory mount and a hole to screw in the light source flange.

He printed this design using the Library’s LulzBot Mini 3D printer. We found out the printing software Cura was accidentally set to a different filament type and the print came out a little distorted, but it still worked.

The original adapter used threads to screw into a SLR camera. New
cameras, specifically our Canon G15, does not have these threads.

The camera mounted to the overhead equipment with the
fiber optic tube connected.

A better view of the fiber optic light source.

This is the frame projected through the camera onto the work surface
through the viewfinder. The operator could then make sure the
artifact is within the borders and aligned properly.

An example of a the viewfinder light projected onto a portrait.
With this lighting the operator can make sure the camera will
get the entire painting. The operator will then switch to
the 45 degree lighting for shooting.

The final product, a portrait of former football head coach
Lyle Smith, captured using the tabletop camera.

Using free software like TinkerCad, and the Library’s 3D printers, make it easy for students and staff to problem solve everyday challenges. 

Jim Duran,
Special Collections and Archives

The Library Welcomes You to Fall 2015!

The #GIMM Lab's getting new furniture & will also sport a DIRTT (Doing It Right This Time) wall. #3rdSpace #construction2015 #MakerLab #BoiseState ^MC

A photo posted by Albertsons Library (@albertsonslibrary) on Aug 4, 2015 at 12:07pm PDT

We're excited to have you back on campus! The library has gone through several transformations during the summer to accommodate several new campus ventures: the new GIMM (Gaming Interactive Media, and Mobile Technology) space, located on the first floor of the library (where Microforms used to be); the College of Innovation and Design, located on the 2nd floor of the library; and the library's own MakerLab, which will house our 3D printing, audio & video editing, microcomputing, and more.

To integrate these changes library staff shifted and moved about 850,000 volumes from the stacks, which means some things have been relocated--our audiovisual materials (DVDs, VHS, books on tape/CDs) are now on the third floor, and Government Documents will be located on the fourth floor. We will be adapting and updating you throughout the semester as projects are completed.

Other services you can enjoy at the library include:

• Wireless networking choices throughout the building 
• A computer lab on the first & second floors running the latest Microsoft Office suite
• Interested in 3D printing? We have them and we'll show you how to use them!
• Scanners and multiple BroncoPrint stations, including wireless printing
• Access to over 320+ research databases
• Library hours for the semester are listed in our calendar
• Browse Boise State research and scholarship via ScholarWorks
• Check out Mac and PC laptops, as well as iPads, chargers, headphones & other gear from the Circulation desk on the first floor
• Huge collection of eBooks via the library catalog
• Reserve study rooms in the library
• Streaming video databases on a wide range of subjects--watch online or on your portable device
• Subject guides in fields such as Digital Humanities, Raptor Studies, Management, Anthropology, and many more via the library's subject guides
• A Starbucks on the first floor, next to the library's main entrance
• Have questions about research, campus, or anything at all? We’re available to help you via our Help page or our social media channels like Facebook, and Twitter. We're well represented on Pinterest and Instagram too. 
• In a rush? Text us your questions at (208) 546-9982

We strive to make your research and study spaces as comfortable and useful as possible. Welcome to your Boise State Library. We hope you have a fantastic fall semester!

Hands-On Emerging Technology Workshops at Albertsons Library

3D printing at Albertsons Library

Albertsons Library’s staff and faculty are here to help you create, discover, learn, and innovate. In this hands on series we will provide a personalized introduction to the library’s technology, our new 3D printer, collaboration lab, learning materials, and information to make your ideas become a reality.

This semester we are offering introductory workshops designed to introduce you to emerging technologies. These aren’t lectures; they’re an opportunity to discover the basics of green screens, 3D modeling, video editing, and more -- by actually doing something! Workshops include: What is 3D printing, Edit a Green Screen Photo, Take a Green Screen Photo, Makey Makey Build Night, Find a thing, Tinker a Thing, 3D print a Thing, Make Your Own Video from Found Content, Getting Your Creative Commons Juices Flowing, Have you hugged your data today?, User Experience Principles: Personas, What the CRAAP?, and Would you like some pi?

No prior knowledge or experience with the technology is required, only your curiosity and a willingness to learn. Supportive staff will guide you through the beginning steps of your journey to learning new technologies. It’s fun, and the skills you learn will improve your school work and future job prospects by letting you take something from idea to tangible project.

Register by signing up here, and we will send you a reminder!

Questions? Email, call or stop by: Amy Vecchione amyvecchione@boisestate.edu Library 212

Maker Mixer at Albertsons Library

Mingle with makers at Albertsons Library’s Maker Mixer! This is an opportunity to:

• Connect with interdisciplinary maker faculty and staff
• Take a sneak peek at the library’s new 3D printer
• Learn about the maker technologies at the library
• Enjoy beverages and snacks

If you have an interest in emerging technologies: video creation, design thinking, mobile and web development, eBook creation, but especially 3D printing. Whether you already know about these technologies, or have a desire to learn more, we want you to join us!

Albertsons Library Maker Mixer, Friday, October 17, 2014, 9:30 - 11am, Collaboration Lab (room 109C), first floor of Albertsons Library. We look forward to seeing you there!

#MakerMixer #BoiseState @BSULibrary

Mary Aagard,
Access Services