3D printing in ARL academic libraries: an environmental scan

Purpose This study aims to provide a snapshot of 3D printing services in ARL academic libraries to determine their overall availability and common configurations. Design/methodology/approach Our approach was to systematically survey ARL library webpages to extract and analyze publicly available information about their 3D printing services. Findings The data suggest that roughly half of ARL libraries offer 3D printing services, implying that they have become popular but not yet essential. While a variety of service models, equipment and materials are represented in the data, the most common configurations are streamlined and simplified, offering FDM printing mediated by library staff using a single print material type (usually PLA). Practical implications Decision makers may use this information when considering implementing or revisiting 3D printing services in their library. Originality/value This is the first study to gather data from a large sample of academic libraries on the availability and configuration of their 3D printing services.