Cookie Caster: Customize your own cookie cutter in a minute

My Love/Hate Relationship with 3-D Printers in Libraries We need a 3-D printer because… “…it’s the only program adults will attend.” “ …our district might cut school librarians if we don’t look cutting edge.” “…for prototyping.” “…for the future of manufacturing.” “…because the next town over has one.” We’ve seen 3-D printers shift from cool niche products to supposed must-haves. 3-D Printers’ theatricality is great marketing I marvel at the miracle of 3-D printers in which an object transforms from pixels to rock-solid artifact with the push of a single button. 3-D Printers help us do some things better Custom jewelry can be quickly prototyped, tested, and manufactured. 3-D Printers can bring the world to our neighborhood 3-D printing can physically connect our users to faraway or precious physical objects. And yet … Printing existing designs FOsters consumerism None of the uses above ultimately contribute to the maker movement’s goal of transforming consumers into creators. A steep learning curve slows innovation among novices Prototyping?