Makerspace
Library Makerspace
Updates to hours and services:
The Makerspace is closed when the McGraw-Page Library is closed to the public.
For the Fall 2020, there are changes of service to the normal operations of the Makerspace. These include:
- Consultations regarding software, hardware, or creative skills will be conducted remotely and by appointment. You may contact Luke Haushalter lukehaushalter@rmc.edu to make an appointment.
- Tutorials for skills such as media production, 3D object and poster design are available on this page; please scroll down.
- Submissions for the printing of posters and 3D objects will be made entirely online. We will contact your for pickup of the finished prints.
- Any in-person interaction with Makerspace personnel requires mutual wearing of mask covering and gloves, as well as 6 ft. social distancing separation.
- The main, publicly-accessible area of the Makerspace is limited to 1 person at a time; this holds for staff as well as patrons.
- Amenities are reduced to one table, one PC, and one chair.
- Computer access is exclusively by reservation, with a limit of 2 hours per reservation.
- LEGO, cardboard, and other public building materials are not available.
- The HTC Vive virtual reality headset is not available.
- Certain areas have plexiglass barriers installed for protection, and may be reserved for use by a single student worker at a time.
We appreciate your understanding as we adapt to maintain the safety of the Randolph-Macon College community. Questions regarding the above can be directed to Lily Zhang zzhang@rmc.edu
Guides and Tutorials
Information and Tutorials of Makerspace Tools
3D modeling and Printing 
For an overview of 3D modeling and printing, we encourage you to read our blog. It has information on how to access hundreds of free 3D models.
- We recommend the browser-based tool Tinkercad for people who are new to 3D design and modeling. Tinkercad offers a set of tutorials for using the software.
- The software we use to prepare 3D designs to be printed on our 3D printer is Ultimaker Cura. A great introduction to the latest version of Ultimaker Cura can be seen here.
- When you feel like your 3D model is ready to print, you can submit the .stl file to us via our online form. Note: the form calls for a training for users who are new to 3D printing. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus crisis, we are foregoing in-person trainings and will work with you remotely if training is required.
Audio Editing and Podcasting
We encourage you to read this great NPR piece - "Starting Your Podcast: A Guide for Students".
- Simple audio recordings can be made on your computer using the executable programs Voice Recorder (Windows) or Voice Memos (Mac). These programs come installed by default on most Windows and Mac computers. Keep in mind that the quality of your recordings is bounded by the quality of your microphone and the quality of the environment in which you are recording. High-quality microphones which plug into the USB port of your computer can be checked out from the front desk of the library.
- A common program for audio editing is the open source Audacity. Audacity is available on all
platforms and is completely free. Comprehensive FAQs for Audacity are available here and here. - There are situations where you want to do more advanced audio recordings: making a multi-track recording, adding effects to change or modulate the sound of a subject's voice, or using splicing methods to cut out unwanted regions of an audio recording. The McGraw-Page Library has made available Adobe's Audition software to allow you to work in these scenarios. Audition is available on the single computer in the Makerspace, as well as the computers in the Butler Pavilion. You can contact Luke Haushalter at LukeHaushalter@rmc.edu to get training in how to use Audition.
- Audio recordings can be uploaded and shared to the R-MC G-Suite, a collection of Google Apps and provides unlimited storage available to R-MC users. Information on how to use G-Suite is available here.
ePortfolio Development
We encourage you to read the article on the What, Why and How of ePortfolios.
- We recommend using GoogleSites for portfolio development. Be sure to log into your G-Suite using your R-MC username and password to enjoy unlimited storage and flexible control over who can view your portfolio. Information on how to use GoogleSites is here.
- Adobe Spark Page is another free tool for ePortfolio development. Learn how to use the tool here.
Graphics and Infographics
Read our blog on Infographic as an alternative to traditional writing assignments,
- There are many great resources out there for creating visual designs. Two commonly used browser-based tools are Adobe Spark Post and Canva. Both are free to use and beginner-friendly.
- Spark resources: Teacher's Tech on YouTube
- Canva resources: Canva's step-by-step guide on designing from scratch
- GIMP is a free, open-source image editing program. It is available for both Windows and Mac
download and installation. Learn how to use GIMP here. - The Library has Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator installed on the computers in the Butler Pavilion and a few loaner laptops. You can contact Luke Haushalter at LukeHaushalter@rmc.edu to get training in how to use Photoshop and Illustrator.
Poster Design & Printing
- The Makerspace has a large-format printer that can print posters up to 36" on their short side. A guide to poster design can be found on our website.
- When your poster is ready to be printed, you can send your request for printing using the same form that we use for 3D printing submissions here
Storytelling Online Tools
Knight Lab at Northwestern University offers innovative and user friendly online tools for storytelling. The tools include:
- Timeline
- Storyline
- StoryMap
- and more
Video Production and Storytelling
Video content has become almost ubiquitous in our modern world. If you need to produce a video, the Makerspace can offer you support for every step of the process.
Video Cameras:
- Video cameras are available at the library Information Desk, as well as a Canon EOS 5D DSLR camera, which is available for checkout after taking a one-time training (of approximately 30 minutes). Computer-mounted "webcams" are also available for video recorded at your computer. Sound and lighting equipment for your production are also available for checkout. Please contact Luke Haushalter to receive training on the usage of any equipment.
- You can take great videos on your phone. Be sure to follow these tips offered by NYTimes.
Video Editing:
- The simplest non-linear editors (NLEs) are easy to use, but offer the least amount of options for making editing decisions. Editors that fall into this category include Adobe Spark, iMovie (which comes standard on Mac computers), and Photos for Windows (which comes standard on Windows computers). The following are some helpful tutorials on how to use these.
- Spark Video: Teacher's Tech on YouTube
- iMovie: Eduard Stinga on YouTube
- Photos for Windows: HowtoGeek on using Photos as a video editor
- OpenShot Video Editor is a free, open source
video editing application for Mac, PC and Linux machine download and installation. It offers fairly sophisticated functionality for video editing.
Learn how to use OpenShot Video Editor.
- Available in the Makerspace computer as well as in the library's Butler Pavilion is the more advanced NLE Adobe Premiere. This editor is one of the most commonly used editors in the video, film, and television industry and is considered "professional quality." As such, it offers a lot of functionality and thereby, tools to learn. The following are some resources to help you learn how to use Adobe Premiere.
- YouTube: Nathan Jeffers on basic editing in Premiere, Terry White on things beginners want to do in Premiere
- Individualized instruction over video conferencing is available for video editing. Contact Luke Haushalter to set up an appointment
Canvas Studio for Recording Screencast and Presentations
Currently, Canvas Studio is part of the R-MC Canvas Learning Management system. You may sign into Canvas.rmc.edu with your R-MC username and password, and from the global navigation, access Canvas Studio. Studio allows you to record, edit, and manage media within Canvas.
- How do I use Studio to record myself giving a presentation?
- How do I submit my recording to a Canvas course assignment? Choose Method 1 or Method 2.
Website Creation
- If you are interested in making a website, two great free options include Google Sites and Adobe Spark. Google Sites is part of Google's G-Suite and is accessible using your R-MC account.