3D printers when it ain’t obvious

I’m really interested in exploring ways in which the 3D printing revolution might make its way into fields that aren’t really about material culture.  It’s somewhat obvious how archaeologists might use 3D printing, or engineers or product developers or model-makers.

But a lot of what we all do here–whether we’re historians or activists or poets or community builders–is based in words and text.  I’d love to kick around ideas with folks interested in imagining what our world will look like when everybody has easy access to 3D printers.  We’re almost there already.

I have a suspicion 3D printing will have a significant role in how we come to communicate ideas to others.  But will it affect the questions we ask in the first place? Thoughts on this are very welcome!

Categories: Session Proposals, Session: Talk |

About Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson is the Head of Innovative Media at VCU Libraries, where he's helping to shape a state-of-the-art innovative media studio for the new library building on the Monroe Park Campus. He holds an MA in US History (George Mason University) and an MS in Library and Information Studies (Florida State). He also serves on the board of directors of the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center in Charlottesville, VA.