On Oct. 15, all access to the makerspaces—Brandeis’ workshops featuring a variety of tools for students, faculty, staff, and alumni, to use on projects—was reset. Brandeis Design & Innovation (BDI), overseeing the three makerspaces on campus, is encouraging those interested in using the spaces to take their new online safety training and take an in-person tour to gain or restore unattended access to these spaces.
The Brandeis library features three distinct makerspaces depending on the interests of users. First, the MakerLab, found on the Farber Mezzanine, for those interested in building physical objects, from 3D printing to laser cutting to sewing. Second, there is the Automation Lab, found on the first floor of Goldfarb, for those interested in working with electronics. Lastly, the Digital Scholarship Lab, found on the Goldfarb Mezzanine, for those interested in fields such as 3D scanning and machine learning.
In addition to modules focusing on each of the spaces, the training features modules regarding Digital Hygiene, Hand Tool Safety, and Power Tool Safety. However, not all of the spaces require the completion of all three. In addition to the respective space-specific training, the Digital Scholarship Lab only requires the Digital Hygiene training, while the MakerLab requires both Digital Hygiene and Hand Tool Safety training, and the Automation Lab requires all three. However, use of certain tools may require additional training. For example, to use some power tools in the MakerLab, users will need Power Tool Safety training, and training with staff in-person may be required for some tools. All of these training modules are available via the Moodle Communities course dedicated to the makerspaces. The training modules consist of slideshows to click through and read, interspersed with quizzes to ensure comprehension of the training material.
Upon completion of all relevant online training for the spaces of interest, it is then possible to register for an in-person tour—the final requirement before gaining swipe access.
Why not take this opportunity to tap into your creative potential?
