You may know King Library for the quiet study spaces, Starbucks in the basement, or the printers for those last minute assignments. But did you know there is so much more to King Library than meets the eye? From 3D printers to private recording studios there are so many hidden gems in the Library for the eager student to discover. 

Virtual Reality Room

The combination Virtual Reality (VR) and Data Visualization Lab is equipped with an HTC Vive, Alienware desktop, and large viewing screens including a touch screen to help with the Data Visualization experience. They also have six Oculus Quests and 360 video cameras. The VR room is available to be reserved or open by appointment only. Learn more or make an appointment.  

Makerspace

The Makerspace is a hands-on, highly collaborative, experiential learning space located on the third floor of King Library. The Makerspace features a variety of maker equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutter/engraver, CNC mills, sewing machines, touchscreens, virtual reality headsets, teleprompters, 360 cameras, and more. The Makerspace is open Monday – Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They even offer kits that you can sign out for a week at a time to take the creativity back to your residence hall. The Makerspace is a great place to take a break from studying to get creative with your friends or to take your class project to the next level.  

3D Printing 

Have you always wanted to 3D print something but never had the opportunity or access to a 3D printer? Well now you do! The library offers full service 3D printing, repairs for 3D models, and consultations with a 3D printing specialist. They offer four different types of 3D printers all with different size, material capabilities, and costs. They can convert from a wide variety of formats for printing. In a matter of days your design will come to life. Design at TinkerCad online, Autodesk Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor, or in your favorite 3D modeling program. Request a print time. You can also 3D print more independently in the Makerspace with your own designs after a brief training session. 

Sound Studios 

Whether you need to record a group presentation or want to start a podcast with your roommate, the Audio-Video Production Lab is a great resource. It is a combination Video Production and Audio Lab and is equipped with a podcasting station as well as a filming backdrop and cameras. They also have a teleprompter and various microphones. This is the hidden gem in the library that I have used the most in my time at Miami. It has helped make my group projects look sleek and professional and even helped me make some cool Tik Toks! Reserve the AV-Lab here.  

Tech for Checkout

The library offers a wide range of technology you can check out to support your coursework and your enjoyment. Come to a library checkout desk with your Miami ID to borrow equipment. Log into computers/iPads while on campus with your ID/password and you will be ready to go! The library offers laptops and tablets, audio equipment, digital cameras, tripods, projectors, graphing and scientific calculators, Chinese to English translators, card readers, adapters, and chargers. Come borrow a projector and have a movie night in your residence hall, or a digital camera and tripod to test your photography skills with friends. 

Software

If you are like me, you’ve had a class that required you to use Photoshop or the Adobe Creative Cloud and the $30 a month was a little too steep for you to commit, never fear the library has it for free! Use all Adobe products on the Creative Cloud such as Photoshop, In Design, and After Effects. The library also has Final Cut Pro, a video editing software, available. The Library lets you check out licenses for Creative Cloud and Final Cut Pro which allows you to connect to the software for two weeks at a time with your Miami ID. This way you can download the software onto your personal laptop and use it wherever you are. Additionally, all Library computers are equipped with the entire Microsoft Office Suite. Using the software the library provides can save you hundreds of dollars throughout your time at Miami so take advantage!

 As you can see the library is more than just books and for more than just studying. It is a place where you can get creative, start an online presence, blow off some steam, and take your work to the next level. The library is a valuable resource for students who are eager to take advantage of everything Miami has to offer.

Grace Cooper