3D Printing 101: Exploring Cultural Heritage Through Hands-On Making

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Interested in bringing 3D printing to your library but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly webinar introduces you to the fundamentals of 3D printing—what it is, how it works, and how to create meaningful programs around it. Through the lens of cultural heritage, you'll learn how to find or create 3D models, clean them up using free tools like Tinkercad and Meshmixer, and prepare them for printing in slicers like Cura.

We'll explore beginner- and intermediate-level workflows, including using photogrammetry to digitize real-world objects, remixing ancient artifacts, and running themed programs like "Design Your Own Amulet" or "Build a Mini Egyptian Tomb." You'll leave with practical tools, step-by-step guidance, and ready-to-run program ideas for patrons of all ages.

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the basic steps of 3D printing, including model creation, cleanup, slicing, and printing, using accessible tools like Tinkercad, Meshmixer, and Cura.
  • Identify and evaluate sources for 3D models, including cultural heritage repositories and community platforms like Thingiverse, and understand how to modify or remix models for educational use.
  • Design and implement beginner-friendly, themed 3D printing programs with a cultural heritage focus—such as artifact recreation, tomb-building, or amulet design—for a range of age groups and library settings.
About the Instructor

Ellyssa Valenti Kroski is the Director of Innovation & Engagement at the New York Law Institute as well as an award-winning editor and author of 75 books. She is a librarian, an adjunct faculty member at San Jose State University, and an international conference speaker. She can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/author/ellyssa.

This event will be hosted in Zoom. Automatic captions will be enabled for this event. This event will be recorded, and registrants will receive access to the recording within a day after the event ends.

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.

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