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Featured: Innovation Takes on a Whole New Dimension

eNews Edition: Fall 2016

Students working with a 3D printer in the Oviatt Library's Creative Media StudioYou have likely noticed by now that there’s an ever-increasing current of transformative energy pulsing through the heart of CSUN’s campus. For the past few years, the steadfast and iconic façade of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library has contrasted the sweeping renovation of its now flexible, lively, and modern first floor interior. While the impressive list of Library updates, new resources, and additional services may have been inspired by external trends, their respective integration has happened solely because of their common connection to the institution’s core resolve: to support the teaching and learning of CSUN’s diverse community of faculty and students. To that end, the library’s most recent innovation, the introduction of 3D printing in the Oviatt’s Creative Media Studio (CMS), succeeds from every conceivable angle. 

The Campus Quality Fee (CQF)-funded CMS opened its doors in the fall of 2014. The sleek and cozy makerspace immediately established itself as a popular and necessary service hub with plenty of opportunity for growth. Over the past 24 months the CMS has added both new media-production equipment and the latest hardware and software – 3D printing being the most recent addition. “3D printing has long been a dream for those in the Oviatt Library who planned and implemented the CMS,” says Oviatt Library Dean Mark Stover. “3D printing is a proven method of teaching students how to design and create a wide variety of tools and artifacts, both curricular and co-curricular. It gives students hands-on experience with ‘informal STEM learning’ that will serve them well as they enter the job market.”

To support its myriad cutting-edge tools and technologies like 3D printing, the studio offers an expanding series of workshops and events that help students from every discipline learn, explore, create, and even showcase their work. September 2016 CMS workshop offerings include: Recording Studio and Pro tools Basics; Introduction to 3D Printing; and Introduction to Film Editing with Final Cut Pro X. Last year’s CMS one-year anniversary celebration included a curated showcase of CMS student works, and upcoming CMS events include the Oviatt’s Innovation Week(s) as part of Innovate LA 2016, from October 6-22. The October CMS Innovation event will include two weeks of coding challenges, which will result in one winner being awarded a personalized 3D-printed trophy.

When asked about campus reaction to the CMS and its expanding list of resources and services, CMS Coordinator Isis Leininger says, “Students are engaged and love being here. People from all different majors have come together to make this a very popular space.” Undoubtedly location and accessibility are key for busy students who are in search of support and creative options when working on class projects. “The CMS is the ideal location for 3D printers because the Oviatt Library is the center of campus and as such serves all students regardless of major,” says Stover.

For the latest information about all of the resources and services that the CMS has to offer, including 3D Printing, visit the Creative Media Studio Online.

Congratulations, you found the Freud! Freudian Sip Logo The password for Fall 2016 is Innovation. The first 50 readers who find the Freud and bring the password to the Freudian Sip in the Oviatt Library will receive a free cookie with their purchase.