The American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) today released “Progress in the Making: Librarians’ Practical 3D Printing Questions Answered” (pdf). The document poses and answers sixteen practical questions related to establishing 3D printing as a library service. All of the questions were fielded from library professionals interested in 3D printing technology.

Libraries represent the public on-ramp to the world of 3D printing and design. Library professionals who have adopted, or are looking to adopt, a 3D printer must answer questions related to printer operation and maintenance, workflow management, cost recovery, patron safety, and much more.

The document is the third publication in ALA’s “Progress in the Making,” series, which explores common questions and concerns related to 3D printer adoption in libraries.