MakerLab
The CECH Library MakerLab is located across from the Info Desk and is available to all members of the UC community. In the CECH Library, we believe that making is learning. We offer a variety of tools to support all kinds of makers. Whether you’re creating instructional classroom materials, a prototype, or simply feeling crafty, we’ve got you covered!
In Spring 2025, the CECH Library will be piloting the use of three new resources for making with IDT 4015/7115 (Trends in Learning Technology Innovation) including the following:
- xTool F1 Laser Cutter/Engraver
- Bambu x1 3D Printer
- Roland BM 20A (vinyl printer/cutter combo)
At this time, use of this equipment is restricted to IDT 4015/7015 students and CECH Library staff, with the goal of being available for general use by summer/fall 2025. In the meantime, see "What You Can Use" below for a listing of current offerings for general use.
The following equipment is available for use in our MakerLab:
- Button makers
- Comb binding machine
- Cricut Maker 3
- Cricut Autopress
- Cricut Mini Press
- Cricut Brightpad
- Cutting mats in various sizes
- Die cut machines, electronic and manual
- Laminator
- Large format sliding paper cutter
- Rulers, t-squares and hand cutting tools
- Bulletin board paper - $1.20/ft.
- Construction paper - $0.05
- Fraction Flashcards - $0.10
- Poster board (22" x 28") - $1.00
- Sentence Strips (24") - $0.10
- Cardstock - $0.50
- Vinyl, removable - $1.25/sheet or 12" of roll
- Vinyl, permanent - $1.25/sheet or 12" of roll
- Vinyl, iron-on - $1.25/sheet or 12" of roll
- 1.25" button - $0.15
- 2.25" button - $0.25
- 9" x 11.5" - $0.50
- 11.5" x 17.5" - $1.25
- 18" x 24" - $2.00
- 1/4" - $0.10
- 5/16" - $0.15
- 1/2" - $0.20
- 3/4" - $0.30
- 1" - $0.35
- 1.5" - $0.40
- For UC Students: We accept Bearcat Card/Student ID as payment. Instructions on adding funds to your Bearcat Card are available.
- For UC Faculty and Staff: We accept Bearcat Card/ID or NIU Transfer of Funds form as payment. We cannont accept grant funds (account numbers that start with a "G") as payment.
- For Non-UC Community Members: If you are not a UC student, faculty or staff and do not have a Bearcat Card, visitor pass cards can be purchased in the Mainstreet Connection Center in Tangeman University Center (TUC), Level 3 (513-556-2000). Funds must be added to the visitor pass card prior to using for payment.
STEAM Kits
Our STEAM Kits are part of our mixed materials collections (nearby the MakerLab) and available for check out. These kits allow teachers to take design thinking and creativity on the road -- and into the classroom -- to support PK-12 students.