Library

Maker Services

UCR Library Maker Services empower students and researchers to explore creative, hands-on approaches to learning, prototyping, and research through access to tools, technologies, and collaborative spaces.

The Innovative Media Librarian and Maker Services Coordinator provide specialized technology integration through the CreatR and Robotics Labs, supporting faculty and students across diverse fields from English Literature and History to Bioengineering and Digital Humanities. We make complex technology and tools accessible and equip the UCR community with hands-on skills to prototype, create, and build their future through innovative interdisciplinary learning.

Course Integration & Faculty Collaboration

We actively collaborate with faculty to integrate hands-on innovation into curriculum, bringing transformative learning experiences directly to the classroom:

Humanities & Liberal Arts:

  • Classical Studies (CLA 10c): Professor Carlo DaVia's Rome Civilizations course utilizes Virtual Reality technology to immerse students in ancient Rome through 360° educational videos
  • History 27: Professor Michele Salzman's City of Rome course incorporates VR sessions that deepen engagement with historical scholarship
  • Public Humanities: Professor Jalondra Davis Brown's classes explore new media and makerspace methodologies through lab tours and information sessions
  • Moving Image (MCS 150): Professor Latipa integrates 3D printing and Blender animation, fusing technical skills with creative media production

STEM Partnerships:

  • Bioengineering 180: Professor Hong Xu's lab students develop design literacy through custom 3D modeling workshops
  • Senior Projects: Students mentored by Dr. Rob McKee receive prototyping and device design support
  • Equipment Solutions: Custom modeling and 3D printing of lab equipment directly supports research and instruction

Technical Workshops Skills Development

Our comprehensive technology and research workshop program provides hands-on instruction in industry-standard technologies:

Core Workshop Series:

  • 3D modeling with Fusion 360, Tinkercad, and SolidWorks
  • Arduino microcontrollers and microcomputer programming
  • Blender animation and digital content creation
  • General maker skills and design literacy

Signature Programs:

  • Robotics Camp: Students design and fabricate functional robots, building "Mario Karts" that mimic real-time gameplay responses while cultivating STEM fluency and creative problem-solving
  • Maker Week: Campus-wide celebration of innovation and hands-on creation

Community Engagement & Outreach

Our programming extends beyond classroom integration through diverse public engagement initiatives:

Campus Events:

  • Specialized robotics workshops
  • University outreach participation (Spring Splash and similar events)
  • Public maker demonstrations and showcases

Impact & Reach:

  • 2,400+ participants served annually
  • Support for diverse research methodologies
  • Pedagogical innovation throughout the academic community
Creat'R Lab

The Creat'R Lab is an inclusive living state-of-the-art technology incubator for discovery, innovation, and entrepreneurship located in the Orbach Library, and a collaboration between the UCR Library and the Office of Research and Economic Development. There are four parts to the Creat'R Lab, click each button below to learn more. 

Makerspace
Robotics Lab
3DXP Lab

Below are a few things you can do in our labs. 

3D Modeling/ Printing

We provide free 3D modeling for research and class related projects! We have four 3D printers in Orbach Science Library. Learn more and submit a request.

Maker Boxes

Find these hands-on resources in the lobbies of each library. These simple kits help support classes and foster curiosity and exploration.

Maker Tech

Incorporate technology and electronics into your research.  The Library currently has Raspberry Pi, Ardiuno, and Makey Makey kits for exploration and play.  

AV equipment

Imagine what you could do with a Go-Pro or a Green Screen.  The Library is collecting and making available tools for creation!

Customized support for classroom activity

The Library provides tools to support assignments and classroom activity.  Faculty may work with the Library to create assignments around our resources, or request resources to support assignments.

Upcoming Workshops and Events