“My college experience has been vastly improved since I started using the ProtoSpace more frequently,” explained game major Ben Ramirez as he checked in on a 3D print in the ProtoSpace at the J. Willard Marriott Library. He was working on an armor set for a cosplay for the upcoming Fan X convention. Though the printing of these kinds of parts was not a common occurrence, his visits to ProtoSpace have become increasingly frequent after discovering the space. “Not only is ProtoSpace a great place for recreational activities like these, but it has also allowed me to develop skills related to my games major.” 

According to the Princeton Review, the University of Utah’s Division of Games was “ranked #1 in the world among public institutions for undergraduate game design and #2 for graduate programs.” Having the technology and space to support such a successful program is an important priority for the library—not to mention the large collection of games available to check out.  

All of the technology and resources could be intimidating or distracting for new students, but Ramirez shared some advice that helped him. “While yes, the ProtoSpace has technology that could serve as a distraction, it’s also a creative space with a lot more than that. There are resources available to help with projects and creative works. It’s also a good space for meeting new people! I’d start with interacting with people at the ProtoSpace desk first, and then maybe engaging in an activity or two with other students in the space.” 

In addition to the help desk in the ProtoSpace, the staff hold weekly “How-to ProtoSpace” events to help students learn new skills using tools in the space such as button making, 3D Printing, sewing and more.  

For more information about those workshops or other questions about the ProtoSpace, contact Mark Howell at m.howell@utah.edu.