Makerspace - Ruth Lilly Medical Library

The Makerspace

Ruth Lilly Medical Library's Makerspace is an emerging technology laboratory and creative space that serves the IU School of Medicine students and faculty. Here students can engage in virtual study with Virtual Reality or the Nexus IQ wall, create their own study aids with 3D-printing, or simply engage in creative activities for mental health and wellness. The space is staffed with experienced emerging technology professionals who are well-known across campus for their expertise and responsive engagement. The technologies offered are listed below.

Visit the Makerspace on the second floor of RLML, room IB202, Monday-Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm — simply walk in or make an appointment!

» Make an Appointment

Makerspace Tools & Tech

3D Printing

Create lifelike 3D prints to use as study aids and research tools! 3D prints can be purchased, or free with a supervised session (either in-person or via Zoom). For free 3D printing, make an appointment. For more information about 3D printing in medicine, the 3D printing service, or how to request a print, see our 3D Printing LibGuide.

Silicone

Learn how to create and cast molds using silicone. Make a mold of an existing object to produce multiple copies, or cast a mold in silicone to make skin-safe, flexible items such as suture pads, anatomical models, and even special effects using the Ultimate Blood Kit by Smooth-On.

Virtual Reality

Travel through the heart or explore other anatomical VR software with the VR Station in the Makerspace, available for use during Makerspace hours, Monday-Friday 10 AM to 4PM, in RLML room IB202. You can also email rlmltech@iu.edu if you want to book the station for use after hours. Sanitizing, disinfection: 70% isopropyl alcohol.

engineer working on robotics automation project

Robotics Equipment

Our Makerspace has a soldering iron, solder, smoke absorbing fan, Elegoo ultrasonic sensor, multimeter, capacitor kit, 2 Plusivo resistor kits, hook up wire kit, alligator clips, Dupont wires, 3 Arduino starter kits, a Makey Makey kit, and more.

IQ Visualization Wall

The IQ Wall (a collaboration with UITS's Advanced Visualization Lab) is an expansive 8-panel, 16-foot-wide video wall perfect for group tasks and data visualization. A Complete Anatomy program is pre-installed as is integrated video conferencing, featuring an auto-tracking camera which allows for collaboration with colleagues at IUSM campuses across the state.

The Nexus

The Nexus is room IB207 and the location of the IQ Wall. It's also a 24-hour collaborative study space with three desktop computers available for IU School of Medicine students to use.

Cricut Station

Learn to create paper crafts, iron-on designs, stencils, vinyl stickers, and more with our Cricut Vinyl Cutting Machine. The Makerspace has loads of study examples available that you can create for yourself and enjoy the mental health benefits of some crafting time. Or use the Cricut Easy Press 2 to apply your iron-on designs to a variety of fabrics including t-shirts and tote bags.

Button Making

The Makerspace also has Button Maker, button materials, Selphy photo printer, and photo printer papers for you to learn and explore.

Makerspace Policies

No food or drink the Makerspace as it may damage the equipment
No one group or individual can reserve the entire Makerspace
While the Makerspace is not a quiet area, it should not be a loud area either. Please keep voices at a reasonable volume, especially when the door is open.
No unauthorized use of the 3D printer or soldering iron. Students must complete safety training before they can use the 3D printer or soldering iron without supervision. If asked, the student must be able to produce proof of having completed this safety training.
Please follow safety guidelines provided when using the equipment in the Makerspace
Materials in the Makerspace are for everyone. If you have a large project that requires a significant amount of material, please consult the Nexus Manager about which materials are compatible with the equipment in the Makerspace and purchase those materials.
Disruptive or disrespectful students may be asked to leave by the library staff, if they refuse to do so campus security will be called to remove the student.
Do not unplug or move any of the equipment without the express permission of the Nexus Manager.
Students with reservations will take precedence for instruction over walk-ins. Walk-in instruction will be conducted on a first come, first serve basis.
Under absolutely no circumstances is anyone to touch the hot end of the 3D printer or the soldering iron.
Items that have been left behind will be taken to the circulation desk for retrieval.
Due to limited ventilation, please refrain from using any products that produce toxic fumes (e.g. spray paint, rubber cement)

Hobby Supplies

Use Cases

Statewide Makerspaces

Makerspaces & Innovation Centers
Regional campuses have access to the Ruth Lilly Medical Library Makerspace consults, tutorials, and 3d printing. Did we miss a makerspace or innovation center on your campus? Email rlmltech@iu.edu

IU Bloomington
Please see the UITS knowledge base “Resources for 3d Printing” for a list of makerspaces and 3d printers

Indianapolis, IUPUI
Ruth Lilly Medical Library Makerspace
Idea Garden (closed during summer months)
Herron School of Art –Think It Make It Lab

South Bend
Innovation Lab
Architecture Library Makerspace (3D printers are available to larger ND community, however, Architecture students have priority)
Dorothy J. Wiekamp Educational Resource Commons (WERC), IU South Bend Libraries

Evansville
Center for Innovation & Change

Terre Haute
ISU Business Engagement Center

West Lafayette
Bechtel Innovation Design Center

Contact Us

Contact:

Please email the library’s Tech Team at rlmltech@iu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Manager:

Cassandra Jones
Nexus Manager
Ruth Lilly Medical Library, IB 202
Indiana University School of Medicine

e: jonecass@iupui.edu
p: (317) 278-7240

Hours of Operation:

Makerspace is open Monday - Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM (EST) or by appointment.