Skip to Main Content
CPCC Library logo

Harris Campus Library

A One-Stop Shop for Harris Campus Library Information

General Expectations

Harris Campus Library offers a variety of services to students and faculty, including use of our growing Makerspace. Students and faculty have access to various technologies, including a 3D printer and a Cricut machine. The following are some general expectations for students, faculty, and staff in utilizing the Makerspace:

  • The makerspace is a shared space open to everyone. Please be courteous and mindful of others in the space.
  • Use only the materials you need.
  • Ask a staff member if you are uncomfortable or unsure of what to do.
  • Report any issues or problems with equipment to makerspace or library staff.
  • Be aware of and follow all safety procedures and guidelines and follow college codes of conduct.
  • Share your knowledge and experience, if possible, and help others.

Makerspace Services

Getting Started

Students, faculty, and staff have access to the Harris Campus Library's 3D printer. 

3D printing will be administered through 3DPrinterOS. Before you get started, watch this short video.

3D Printer Policies

  • 1 print per day maximum.
  • 3D prints can be no longer than 12 hours in length.
  • Print jobs must be sent at least 45 minutes before closing. Prints sent after that time will be started the next day/available time.
  • The makerspace uses PLA filament. We cannot guarantee a particular filament color for your prints.
  • You do not have to be present for the duration of your print. Once your print is finished it will be held for 7 business days (including Saturday). If your print is not picked up within 7 days it will be considered abandoned.
  • Printing weapon related items (includes prop items and anything resembling a weapon) or any inappropriate or explicit items will not be permitted. Decisions by Makerspace staff regarding unacceptable items are final
  • Only library staff can remove prints from the 3D printer.

See the Policies page for other policies and more detail. 

Finding 3D Models

There are numerous websites where you can download 3D models. These are just a few. Please note that while the majority of these files are available for free some might also charge for certain models.

Thingiverse.com

Cults3D.com

Printables.com

MyMiniFactory.com

Pinshape.com

Thangs.com

Youmagine.com

Creating 3D Models

There are numerous software you can use to create 3D models. Here are a just a few.

  • Tinkercad is a good place to start if you are new to 3D modeling. It is a free program that runs in  your browser. You can design things with basic shapes. Tinkercad can be easy to start using without much instruction but to learn more about the features you can take this LinkedIn Learning training (requires a Central Piedmont login).
  • Blender is a free and open-source software that is used for many things such as animation, visual effects, and 3D models. The learning curve for Blender can be a little steeper, however, there are tutorials available as well as this LinkedIn Learning training (requires a Central Piedmont login).
  • Fusion360 - free for educational use
  • Autocad - free educational license
  • OpenSCAD - Free script-based modeling software.

Getting Started

The Makerspace has a Cricut Maker 3. This can be used to cut vinyl, cardstock, fabric, and more. The Cricut software can be download here. Check out the links below for resources.

The easiest way to create and send your file on the Cricut is to create your design using Cricut Design Space (on a computer, tablet, or phone). Save your design and then connect to the Cricut with the Cricut Deign Space app on your phone or tablet (if you created your design on a computer you will need to download the app on your phone or tablet and then log in). 

Cricut/Vinyl Cutting Policies

  • Cutting or printing inappropriate or explicit items, or objects that resemble weapons will not be permitted
  • Not for commercial use or bulk manufacturing
  • No content or objects that may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of a third party
  • Items containing the Central Piedmont logo or name cannot be cut or printed

See the Policies page for other policies and more detail. 

Supplies

The Makerspace has a limited supply of permanent and heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and cardstock for use with the Cricut Maker 3. You are also welcome to bring in your own supplies.

Supplies:

  • Vinyl (permanent and HTV)
  • Cardstock (8.5"x11 and 12"x12")
  • Heatpress
  • Lightbox
  • Weeding tools

What is virtual reality?

VR is a virtually immersive experience that's designed to mimic real or imagined worlds. These experiences can be created using real world images (360 video) or computer generated content. This medium generally requires the use of a wearable device. The Harris library has a Meta Quest 2 headset for student, staff, or faculty check out. 

VR Safety, Policies, and Procedures

Students can check out virtual reality headsets at the front desk of the Harris Library. Librarian assistance is based on availability. 

  • VR Headsets can be checked out for a maximum of (1) one hour per day per user. VR may only be used in designated spaces in the library.
  • VR use is limited to current Central Piedmont students, faculty, and staff. Guests are not permitted to use VR.
  • Users are responsible for the safe use, condition, and full return of borrowed equipment. Equipment that is stolen, damaged, or not returned will be subject to item replacement fees of up to $600.
  • Users must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct. Violation of Code may result in penalties, ranging from suspension of VR privileges to disciplinary action by the college.
  • Prior to checking out a VR headset, users must complete the safety tutorial and sign the VR Use Waiver. Users are strongly encouraged to attend a VR workshop prior to checking out a VR headset for individual use.
  • Do not consume food or beverages while using VR. Any food or beverage in a VR room must be in a sealed container. 
  • Number of VR headsets and number of total people allowed per room will vary based on campus location and room availability.
  • If a reservation holder fails to appear after 15 minutes, the reservation can be canceled by library staff. 
  • Users are NOT permitted to sanitize the equipment or clear its data for any reason. VR equipment will be sanitized, and its data cleared after each use. 
  • Apps are preloaded on the VR equipment for users. Users are NOT permitted to purchase apps anytime (including downloading free apps). 
  • Do NOT log out of the Central Piedmont Library account(s) on any of the VR equipment. Doing so may ban users from future use of the room and its equipment. 
  • Users of virtual reality headsets may experience dizziness or unsettling feelings at any point during use. You are using the VR equipment at your own risk.
  • New users to VR are advised to sit in a chair until they are comfortable with the device. 
  • VR sessions must be completed within 30 minutes of the library’s closing time. 
  • Failure to adhere to library policies may result in loss of VR use privileges. 

Available Apps

The following apps are available for use with Central Piedmont Meta Quest 2 headsets. Please note that you cannot download or purchase additional apps:

 

  • Adam Savage's Tested
  • Anne Frank
  • Apollo 11
  • Best Forklift Operator
  • Brink Traveler
  • Car Mechanic Simulator
  • Cirque du Soleil
  • Cooking Simulator
  • Explore Planet Earth
  • Gadgeteer
  • Gravity Lab
  • Gravity Sketch
  • Great Paintings VR
  • Hololab
  • Human Anatomy VR Complete Edition
  • Kingspray Graffiti
  • Let's Create Pottery
  • Librarium
  • Lost Recipes
  • Mission: ISS
  • Mondly: Practice languages in VR
  • National Geograhic VR
  • Notes on blindness
  • Occupational Safety and Health
  • Occuweld
  • Ocean Rift
  • Pandemic By Prisms
  • Patchworld
  • SculptrVR
  • Star Chart
  • The Eva Experience - VR Exhibit
  • Tilt Brush by Google
  • Titans of Space
  • Traveling while black
  • Vermillion
  • Virtuoso
  • Wander
  • Within
  • Dissection Lab - Frog Edition