Do It Yourself in New Campus “MakerSpace”
In keeping with the nationwide trend of community-based makerspaces, which make a variety of tools and technologies available to all comers, MIU now has its own makerspace available to the entire Fairfield community.
The tools offered include a new 3-D printer that one can use to print 3-D objects that are designed on a computer using computer-assisted design software or that are downloaded from the Internet. The featured image above is a 3-D printed version of our university logo!
Other offerings in the makerspace include a wood shop, metalworking shop, electronics lab, bike shop, sewing room, greenhouse, and kitchen.
The makerspace is located in the workshop of the Sustainable Living area of the science wing of the library building. Plans include eventually relocating it to a space in Fairfield.
Those interested in using the makerspace can receive one-on-one training as well as attend workshops on topics such as computer programming, carpentry, clothing repair, canning, bike repair and maintenance, and more.
The facilities coincide with a new MIU course that will introduce students to the maker movement and the growing trend toward doing it yourself.
The course will be taught by Lonnie Gamble with assistance from Rich Dana, director of microenterprise development for the Sustainable Living Department.
The details for implementing Fairfield’s makerspace, nicknamed “ReMake” by Mr. Dana, were developed by recent graduate Samara Burnes as her senior thesis. She has been instrumental in helping to organize the makerspace along with Mr. Dana, MIU carpenter Larry Queen, and others.
“We want to channel the members’ do-it-yourself efforts into recycling, refurbishing, and finding creative ways to reuse things, rather than buy new, cheap plastic junk,” Mr. Dana says.
The makerspace is open this fall from 3:30–8 p.m. on Wednesday andFriday, and 12:30–5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Membership is free to students and $20/month for others. The membership fee covers the costs of supplies and equipment. A 30-day free trial is available.
Email Dora Pollack dpollack@mum.edu or Kris Johnson kjohnson@mum.edu to make an appointment to visit or to receive tool training and certification.
For more information or to sign up for a membership, see www.meetup.com/Fairfield-
Jim Karpen is a writer by trade, with a special focus on technology. He has a Ph.D. in English and studied the impact of the computerization of language. In addition to writing for iPhone Life magazine, he has also been writing a column about the Internet for the Iowa Source since 1994. He also edits and publishes the MUM Review.