Learn more about the Innovation Lab:
Mission Statement | Strategic Goals
The Innovation Lab is located on the second floor of Meriam Library. This collaborative workspace contains the library's tech lending equipment circulation desk, makerspace equipment including 3D printers, a 3D scanner, button makers (download small 1.25" button template here! and dowload large 3" button template here) and a sewing machine, an interactive Vibe Smart Whiteboard, and High Powered Computing devices with specialty software. Visit our Innovation Lab FAQ here!
Makerspace
Use of makerspace equipment requires an appointment. To schedule a time with our library staff click here.
3D Printing
The Innovation Lab offers 3D printing services for Chico State students, staff, and faculty. Whether you’re printing a model for a class, research, or personal project, bring your completed 3D model to the Innovation Lab and schedule an appointment to have it printed. We support .STL, .OBJ, and .3MF file formats. If your model is in another file format, software is available on the computers in the Innovation Lab that you can use to convert your file to a supported format. Files can be brought to your appointment on a USB flash drive or emailed to innovationlab@csuchico.edu in one of the supported file formats.
Users may print up to 12 hours per week. During the appointment booking process, you will be asked to select a preferred filament color and a backup color, which will be used if your preferred color is unavailable. Files must be ready for printing before your appointment, as Innovation Lab staff do not provide assistance with creating or modifying 3D models. Staff will slice your completed model using settings appropriate for our 3D printers; custom print settings are not permitted. If a print fails, staff may make additional attempts when appropriate. However, if the same model cannot be printed successfully after multiple attempts, we will discontinue further reprints. You will be notified by email when your print is complete and ready for pickup, or if we are unable to successfully complete the print. Completed prints will be held for two weeks before being recycled. Pickup reminder emails will be sent when your print is completed, seven days after completion if it has not been picked up, and one day before the print is scheduled to be recycled.
Technology Lending
Meriam Library has a robust collection of technology items for check out including DSLR cameras, advanced graphing calculators, laptops, raspberry pi and more. To view a comprehensive list of available tech lending equipment please visit OneSearch. Additional information and policies can be found here.
High Powered Computing and Gaming
High powered Windows computers and an Apple Mac Pro workstation are available for use anytime the library is open. Software includes Avid ProTools, Maya, SolidWorks, AutoCAD and more. For a current list of available HPC software click here.
Collaborative Study, Instruction, Presentation and Event Space
Do you need a place to hold an informal group study session, or a regular meeting space for your club or group? Are you looking for instruction space outside of the traditional classroom, or a place to hold your event?
The Innovation Lab is an ideal space for groups of up to 70. Here you'll find hosts of whiteboards, a reservable Vibe Smart Whiteboard, a short-throw projector, and administrative support from library staff. The space can be configured to be utilized for groups of up to 25 people, or the entire space can be reserved for accommodation of up to 70!
To reserve a space, click here!
Innov8
Innov8 is Meriam Library’s signature creative programming series designed to introduce the campus community to the Innovation Lab as a welcoming, hands-on learning environment where creativity, curiosity, and connection intersect. Through a robust schedule, Innov8 positions the library as a space not only for academic inquiry, but also for exploration, play, and community building. Innov8 Craft Kits are available for check-out in the innovation Lab, allowing program attendees an opportunity to continue their exploration on their own time. Innov8 Craft Kits are available here.
Board Games
Need to decompress? Check out our ever-expanding collection of board games available for use in the Innovation Lab or check out.
Request Technology Lending or Makerspace Equipment Purchase
Help us grow our technology lending and makerspace equipment collection. Click here to suggest a purchase!
For additional information, please call the Innovation Lab desk during open hours at x3806 or send an e-mail to innovationlab@csuchico.edu.